Blast near Indian team hotel

A powerful bomb blast has rocked Colombo, 10 minutes walking distance (2-3 km) from the hotel the Indian team has been put up at.

The bomb was reportedly placed in a three-wheeler taxi in the area, which also houses several Sri Lankan government buildings, including the President’s house, and is thus a high-security area.

The entire Indian team is safe, as they were all inside the hotel, which has now been cordoned off. However, the explosion has caused 7 deaths and left 17 injured at the target place, figures that are likely to rise with incoming reports.

A decision on whether or not the Indian team stays back in the country, or returns home, is likely to be taken soon, depending upon a security review that will follow the bomb blast.

Meanwhile the first match of the tri-series India is in Sri Lanka for, between the hosts and South Africa has been called off due to heavy rains, and will re-played tomorrow, weather permitting.