8 persons killed, about 60 wounded in Yala explosions

YALA, March 31 (TNA) - At least eight people were killed and 60 others wounded after three bombs exploded shortly before noon Saturday in the southern restive province of Yala, police said. Two bombs were first exploded at 11.50 a.m. in Muang district, burning a shop selling motorcycles plus several cars and motorcycles, police said. Firemen rushed to the scene and sprayed water in an attempt to contain the fire. Rescue officials also tried to help wounded people who were trapped inside the ill-fated shop and sent them to a hospital for treatment, police said. The third bomb exploded about 20 metres from the first scene of the incident while firemen were busying dousing the blaze. The strong impact of the explosion severely damaged a convenience store and some six wooden nearby houses. Several cars and motorcycles which were parked in the area were also damaged, police said. Police investigators said an unknown number of bomber ignited two bombs placed inside two cars which exploded at the same time and later set off the third explosive in front of the convenience store. Yala Hospital has announced that eight persons died so far and about 60 others wounded. More than 5,000 persons, including civilians, security forces, monks, teachers and insurgents have been killed since the insurgency re-erupted in the three Muslim-majority provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat in early 2004. (TNA)