Sri Lanka says accidental blast in country’s east kills 20 people, including 2 Chinese

Sri Lanka: Accidental blast kills more than 20

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A government spokesman says an accidental blast of explosives meant for road construction in Sri Lanka’s east has killed 20 people, including two Chinese nationals.

Lakshman Hulugalla, a government security spokesman, says a container carrying the materials exploded accidentally in the eastern Batticaloa district. He says the explosives were for road construction being carried out by a Chinese firm.

He says the blast has killed more than 20 people, including two Chinese.