6 civilians killed, over 50 wounded in Colombo suicide blast

Colombo, Feb 3 (UNI) At least six civilians were killed and over 50 wounded in a suspected LTTE suicide bomb explosion this afternoon at the crowded Fort Railway station here, military sources said.

''At least six innocent civilians were killed and over 50, including children have been wounded in an LTTE suicide bomb explosion around 1405 hrs (local time). The injured have been rushed to the Colombo National hospital,'' Brig Udaya Nanayakkara told UNI over the phone.

Quoting the initial reports, the Military spokesman said the LTTE suicide cadre got down from a train at the third platform of the railway station and detonated a powerful explosive device resulting in yet another carnage in the capital city.

Accidental Service Director of the Colombo National Hospital, Dr Anil Jayasinghe said over 50 people have been admitted to the hospital.

''At least 10 of them are in serious condition,'' he said.

The bomb blast has occurred when the security arrangements throughout the country, mainly in and around the capital city, have been stepped up ahead of the 60th Independence Day celebration tomorrow.

The key national event is scheduled to take place at Galle Face Green in the heart of Colombo city, with military parades.

Yesterday, 18 civilian passengers were killed and over 50 wounded when a powerful bomb went off inside a packed private bus they were travelling at Dambulla town in the central Matale district.

UNI XC SKB AS1615