One killed, 20 injured as multiple explosions reported at Kerala prayer meeting; state on alert
On Sunday morning, at least one person died and 20 more were injured after multiple explosions took place at a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Kalamassery area of Kerala‘s Kochi.
A Kalamassery police official said the cause of the blast was unknown. The blast reportedly occurred at a convention centre of a Christian group. Meanwhile, a 4-member NIA team rushed to the spot to investigate along with the local police.
The police said a call was received around 9 a.m. about the blast and seeking police assistance.
Visuals of the incident showed the fire rescue team and police personnel in large numbers evacuating people from the site.
Confirming that one person died and two others were in critical condition, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It’s a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials in Ernakulam are there. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to the DGP and we will get more details after the investigation.”
State Industries Minister P Rajeev said the blast site is cordoned off and police and fire rescue have been pressed into service. Rajeev said that reportedly few of the injured have suffered serious burns.
Stating that they are yet to identify the cause of the explosion, P Rajeev said, “I have spoken to all officials. All directions have been issued. We are yet to identify the cause. Let all the inspections be completed. Nobody will be allowed near the spot as of now.”
Health Minister Veena George has directed all health workers, including doctors, who are on leave to return immediately. She has also informed the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to provide the best treatment for those injured in the explosion in Kalamassery.
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