(Image source from: Deccan Chronicle)

Five persons from Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district had a narrow escape in the serial bomb blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday, killing almost 290 and injuring 500.

Amilineni Surendra Babu, who is the head of a construction firm, sustained minor injuries while his friends escaped unhurt when an explosive device went off at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, where they were stopped over.

The group, which was on a trip to Sri Lanka, was having breakfast at the hotel when a bomb ripped through the site.

Surendra Babu suffered minor injuries in the stampede that followed. The group later moved to a safer place.

Some pictures of the injured were posted on social media.

However, their passport and some other documents remained with their luggage in their hotel rooms.

A police officer in Anantapur district said they did not succeed in contacting the businessman as the communication network in the island country was not working after the serial blasts.

On Sunday, in consequence to serial blasts, the Lankan government announced a curfew and lifted on Monday morning. In addition, social media was also shut down by the Lankan government.

The death toll could rise significantly as hospitals report casualty figures. At least 27 foreigners are reported to have died, including five Indians.

On Sunday, in consequence to serial blasts, the Lankan government announced a curfew and lifted on Monday morning. In addition, social media was also shut down.

By Sowmya Sangam