Explosion near Colombo church in Sri Lanka while officials were defusing bomb: Report

An explosion went off on Monday in a van near a church in Sri Lanka where scores were killed the previous day, when bomb squad officials were trying to defuse it, a Reuters witness said.

An explosion went off on Monday in a van near a church in Sri Lanka where scores were killed the previous day, when bomb squad officials were trying to defuse it, a Reuters witness said.

Sri Lankan security forces react after an explosion took place in a vehicle parked near St. Anthony's shrine in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, April 22, 2019. (AP photo)

“The van exploded when the bomb defusing unit of the STF (Special Task Force) and air force tried to diffuse the bomb,” the witness said.

Security force spokesman were not immediately available for comment.