Photos reveal shock, chaos

THE devastating blast that ripped through Sri Lanka’s St Sebastian’s Catholic Church during Easter Sunday services tore the roof off the building and claimed the lives more than 50 worshippers.

Hundreds of other church members were injured in the blast in the church in Katuwapitiya, 30km north of Colombo. Photos circulating on social media revealed chaotic scenes of panicked parishioners inside the church moments after the deadly attack, with bodies strewn on the ground.

Pews can be seen smeared with blood as survivors raced to find and treat the injured.

Immense shock and distress is written on the grim faces of the churchgoers as they battle to comprehend the level of violence and destruction.

People with bloodsoaked clothing can be seen sitting stunned in their seats as scenes of chaos unfold around them. Doors, windows and the roof were blown off by the force of the blast, which shook neighbouring buildings.

St Sebastian’s Church posted pictures of destruction inside the church on its Facebook page, showing blood on pews and the floor, and requested help from the public.

The initial string of deadly blasts on three churches and three luxury hotels took place almost simultaneously about 8.45am local time (1.15pm AEST), authorities said. Two further attacks rocked suburbs of Colombo later last night.

More than 160 people were injured at an explosions at St Anthony’s Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, which is a tourist landmark.

An estimated 27 people were also killed in an attack on a church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

The injured included foreigners staying at three of Colombo’s fivestar hotels – the Cinnamon Grand, Kingsbury and the Shangri-la.