17 injured in accidental blast

Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: Seventeen were injured when an explosive device went off accidentally at the STF stall of the Deyata Kirula exhibition at the BMICH in Colombo yesterday round 3.45 p.m. One of them was critically injured, STF DIG Nimal Leuke said.

A STF commando was demonstrating to the public weapons and improvised Explosives Devices recovered from the LTTE.

"One of the IEDs exploded accidentally while he was demonstrating it," DIG Leuke said. He said that the Government Analyst rushed to the scene and collected the explosive materials. "It is early to say the actual reason for the explosion. But it was only an accident," he added.

The injured have been admitted to the Colombo National hospital. Two STF personnel, two monks, children and women were among the injured.

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No need to panic

COLOMBO: Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said that the public need not fear to visit the Deyata Kirula Exhibition at the BMICH grounds as the explosion was an accident.

"The public need not panic. The Exhibition ground is back to normal. It was an accident and that is over. The STF stall where the incident occurred is open to the public," the Brigadier said.

STF DIG Nimal Lewke said that the people can visit the exhibition grounds and there is nothing to fear. "We invite the public to come without fear to the exhibition grounds," he said.