Indians safe in Rio, says Sushma Swaraj after blast at Olympics site

NEW DELHI: All Indians are safe in Rio Di Janeiro, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today in the wake of a blast and multiple shooting incidents in the Brazilian city which is hosting the Olymics.

"Rio Blast - Indian Ambassador Sunil Lal is camping in Rio and in constant touch with me. All are safe," Swaraj said in a tweet.

Earlier today, the Rio Olympics got off to a troubled start as a loud blast erupted near the cycling race's finish line and a bullet ripped through the media tent at the equestrian venue.

Brazilian military carried out a controlled explosion near the Copacabana finish line of Rio Olympics men's road cycling race that stunned the crowd, who feared it to be a terror attack.

A shooting incident near the temporary venue housing media tents which left visible holes in the wall also caused considerable scare among the onlookers.

In yet another shooting incident, a woman was shot and killed by armed assailants near the Olympic Boulevard, making for a troubled start for the world's biggest sporting event in which 118 Indian sportsperson are also participating.