Eight Killed By Bomb Near Sri Lanka Capital
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A bomb ripped through part of a packed passenger train during evening rush hour yesterday, killing eight people and wounding 70 others near the Sri Lankan capital.
A military spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, blamed Tamil Tiger rebels for the bombing near the railroad station in Dehiwala, about six miles south of Colombo. Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan did not respond to calls seeking comment but the rebels routinely deny such attacks.
Television footage showed the blast ripped off part of the train compartment’s roof and windows were shattered. Bloodstained bags, umbrellas, and glasses were strewn throughout the compartment.
Dr. Wifred Kumarasiri said six bodies were brought to Kalubowila Teaching Hospital and two people later died there. Another 70 were being treated, he said.
The rebels, blamed for scores of suicide bombings and other attacks on civilians, are listed as a terrorist group by America, the European Union, and India.
If the attack was carried out by the rebels, it would show they retain the ability to strike deep inside government territory despite a maze of security checkpoints.
