Sri Lanka state media say 129 dead in blasts

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka's state-run newspaper has reported that 129 people have died in a series of Easter Sunday, April 21, blasts targeting three churches and three hotels.

Daily News says more than 500 others have been hospitalized with injuries caused by the blasts.

A senior official told The Associated Press that the death toll has reached 138 people.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak with reporters. He says at least two of the blasts were suspected to have been caused by suicide bombers.

National Hospital spokesman Dr. Samindi Samarakoon says the nearly 300 wounded have been admitted to the capital Colombo's main hospital.

A security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters says that six near simultaneous explosions hit three churches and three hotels frequented by foreign tourists.

The official suspects at least two of the blasts were caused by suicide bombers.

One church,

St. Anthony's Shrine, and the three hotels are in Colombo and are frequented by foreign tourists. The other two churches are in Negombo, a Catholic majority town north of Colombo, and the eastern town of Bat t i cal oa.

Alex Agileson who was in the vicinity says buildings in the surrounding area shook with the blast.

He says a number of injured were carried in ambulances.

St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo has appealed for help on its Facebook page.

Sri Lankan security officials say they are checking for details. ( AP)