By Amal JAYASINGHE
A series of explosions rocked a military ammunition depot on the edge of Sri Lanka's capital into Monday, sparking huge fires and forcing thousands to flee as debris fell into populated neighbourhoods.
Police said the explosions at the Salawa military (depot) had diminished in strength but nearby residents were being told to stay away because intermittent blasts were still erupting, 10 hours after the first one was reported Sunday evening.
The fire appeared to be largely under control, but the area was still blanketed by heavy smoke as officials tried to determine the cause of the blasts.
At least one soldier died of burns and two others were injured, according to private television network Sirasa, though officials did not confirm any fatalities.
Shortly after the first explosion, residents in Salawa were seen running from their homes in droves as police reported debris hitting the main highway and neighbourhoods.
The night sky was bright with an orange glow as huge fires raged and the area continued to shake every few minutes. Flying debris could be seen from three kilometres (two miles) away, an AFP photographer said, and military officials warned residents not to touch anything that might be an unexploded device.
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