The Sri Lanka bombing that happened yesterday (21 April) left the world in utter despair as over 200 people were killed and more than 400 people were injured. While the authorities are investigating the case, more information has been disclosed about what unfolded before the tragedy took place.
At Sri Lanka’s Cinnamon Grand hotel, the suicide bomber had registered as a hotel guest the previous night as Mohamed Azzam Mohamed and was waiting in line for the Easter Sunday breakfast buffet on Sunday morning (21 April). He was about to be served before he set off the explosives that were strapped to his back, said a manager at the hotel, who chose to remain anonymous as he was not allowed to speak for the company.
“There was utter chaos, but we rushed all the injured to hospital in a very short time,” the Cinnamon Grand manager said.
“About 20 people were seriously wounded and we sent them to the National Hospital.”
The hotel is close to the Sri Lankan prime minister’s official residence and Special Task Force commandos were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Source: NST
The incident happened at 8.30am during one of the hotel’s busiest days of the year as it was the Easter holiday weekend. There were many families present at the Taprobane restaurant when the bomber went to the top of the queue and set off the blast. One of the hotel’s managers,who was welcoming guests, was also among those killed instantly.
According to other hotel officials, the bomber was a Sri Lankan who had checked in with a false address, saying he was in the city for business. His body parts were found intact by police and taken away, reported The Star.
Source: The New Indian Express
Meanwhile at the Shangri-La, the bomb went off around 9am at its Table One restaurant. Two loud blasts were heard by witnesses after which a few people were killed, reported the hotel staff. Details of the death toll were not immediately given.
The restaurant, which is on the second floor of the hotel, was heavily damaged with windows blown out and electrical wires hanging from the ceiling as seen by an AFP photographer.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the casualties and those who have been affected,” The Shangri-La said in a statement.
“Our immediate priority is to look after the safety and well-being of all involved. A Shangri-La crisis management team has been activated to provide all necessary support.”
Source: The Times of Israel
The Kingsbury, the third hotel that was bombed, is one of Colombo’s most expensive hotels which is positioned near the city’s World Trade Center. The death toll there was not known.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the hotel said, “On behalf of the entire Kingsbury team we share in the shock, grief and mourning of our entire nation in the aftermath of the recent attack.”
“Medical evacuation and treatment of the injured guests and employees were handled immediately.”
The hotel said it had been “isolated” for further safety checks.
Source: Dawn
It is truly heart-breaking to hear news about this awful tragedy. More information will be released so stay tuned for more updates.
Also read: [BREAKING] 156 Killed & Over 400 Injured in Sri Lankan Easter Bombings
