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Sri Lanka rail blast injures 17

June 4, 2008 (LBO) – A blast ripped through a suburban rail track in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo in the early morning rush hour Wednesday, injuring at least 17, authorities and eyewitnesses said. Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said the explosion had gone off on a rail track near Wasala Road in Dehiwela, south of Colombo.

The security media centre said at least 17 had been injured.

Engine driver K Jayawardene told LBO that he heard a loud explosion and brought the train to a stop.

There was minor damage to the second and third carriages and several people were injured, he said.

The track was also damaged and displaced.

Jayawardene said his train had left Panadura at 6.35 am and the blast had gone off on the track at around 7.15 am.

Police spokesman Ranjith Gunesekera said there was a search on for a man believed to have been involved in the bombing who had run away from the scene.