The accident occurred during a religious convention in Kalamassery, around 10 km from...
Digital Desk: Officials say at least one person was killed and 40 were injured in a series of explosions at a conference centre in Kerala's Kalamassery today. Within minutes of the prayer service beginning, at least three explosions were reported. Reportedly, at least ten people had more than 50% burns.
The event occurred during a Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery, around 10 km from Kochi. Nearly 2,000 people attended the prayer meeting.
The first blast occurred in the middle of a prayer, according to witnesses at the convention centre. According to officials, explosives were hidden inside a tiffin box.
According to Kalamassery MP Hibi Eden, the first explosion occurred in the heart of the hall. He went on to say that the organisation had an evacuation plan in place that went into effect immediately after the first blast.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the bombings 'unfortunate' and said the situation is being taken seriously. All senior police officers in the state are en route to the explosion scene.
The National Investigation Agency will now look into the explosions. The agency's forensic team has already arrived and is gathering evidence.
As per Kalamassery police source, the reason for the explosion is unknown. According to reports, the explosion occurred inside a Christian group's convention centre. Meanwhile, a four-person NIA team hurried to the scene to examine the incident alongside local police.
Disturbing videos from inside the conference centre showed numerous blazes as people and children screamed in terror.
The footage also showed people attempting to extinguish the flames while the hall was littered with scattered and destroyed seats.
Following the explosion, hundreds of people were present outside the convention centre.
Following the explosion, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has also asked the Director of Health and the Director of Medical Education to provide the best possible care to those injured in the Kalamasery incident.
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