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At Least 25 Killed In Weapons Dump Blast In Sri Lanka


Military officials say at least 25 people were killed when containers carrying explosives blew up at a police ammunition dump in eastern Sri Lanka today.

Military spokesmen initially said at least 60 people were killed in the blast but later revised down the death toll.

Police said the explosion near the city of Batticaloa was accidental, and occurred when some munitions on a truck were being issued to construction contractors.

Most of those killed were police officers. But there were also at least two foreigners, reportedly Chinese contractors, among the victims.

compiled from agency reports

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