Blast at Sri Lankan armoury kills one soldier, thousands evacuated

June 06, 2016 (LBO) - One soldier was killed and thousands of people were evacuated after an explosion on Sunday at the Salawa Army Camp, where one of Sri Lanka's largest ammunition stores is located.

Explosions at the army camp continued for more than five hours and the blasts were heard 12 km away, local residents said.



The cause was not immediately known, according to media reports.

Residents living within a six kilometer radius of the camp were evacuated. All schools and government offices will be closed in the Avissawella electorate.







The military spokesman said personnel from the army and the air force were dousing the fire.