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'We are safe, but obviously concerned': Metro Atlanta man in Sri Lanka as blasts erupt

Officials said at least 207 people have been killed. Worshippers and hotel guests were among the dead.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Hundreds are dead after eight explosions went off in Sri Lanka Easter Sunday at churches and hotels. Officials said hundreds more were hospitalized.

A metro Atlanta man who is visiting the capital of Sri Lanka told 11Alive he learned about the blasts Sunday morning. Bruce Griffith said he and three of his friends were asleep when the explosions happened. They happened not far from where he is staying.

"We arrived at our hotel here in Colombo, Sri Lanka around 3 a.m. this morning," Griffith said. "We got up for breakfast and was told by the general manager of the bombings that have occurred here. He has instructed us not to leave the hotel."

He said they had a driver for the week, but he was instructed not to take them anywhere Sunday.

RELATED: Explosions kill at least 207 in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday

Credit: Bruce Griffith

The government has imposed a nationwide curfew. 

"We are safe, but obviously concerned for the other people here in Colombo that have been affected by this awful occurrence," he said. 

Officials said at least 207 people have been killed. Worshippers and hotel guests were among the dead.

Sri Lanka's defense minister said seven suspects have been arrested following the series of blasts. They are calling this the biggest violence in the South Asian country since its civil war ended a decade ago. 

Griffith said they would try to leave Sri Lanka Monday.

"Our travel agent called this morning to tell us they would be transferring us out first thing in the morning," he said. 

They have been able to get in contact with family members to let them know that they are safe. He said Facebook and Instagram have been shut down in Colombo.

Countries around the world condemned the attacks, and Pope Francis added an appeal at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing to address the massacre.

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