Indonesian quake kills at least 70

A powerful earthquake jolted western Indonesia today, killing at least 70 people and injuring hundreds as they fled shaking buildings, crumpled homes and hospitals, authorities said. Two school children were crushed by debris on a playground.

The 6.3-magnitude quake struck on Sumatra island just before 11am and was felt as far away as neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, where some tall buildings were evacuated. Several aftershocks followed, the strongest measuring 6.1, adding to fears of people already too nervous to return indoors.