1 dead, 40 hurt in 3 blasts at Kerala religious meet, anti-terror team heads to spot

1 dead, 40 hurt in 3 blasts at Kerala religious meet, anti-terror team heads to spot

One woman was killed and over 40 others were injured in a blast at a Jehovah’s Witnesses’ meeting in Kerala’s Ernakulam on Sunday.

One woman died and 40 people were injured in three blasts at a convention centre in Kerala's Kalamassery on Sunday morning, police said. At least 10 people suffered more than 50 per cent burns. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for an all-party meeting at 10 am on Monday in the Secretariat. He is likely to chair a high-level meeting over the blasts.

Confirming that one woman died and two other people were in critical condition, 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."

The blasts occurred at a convention centre of a Christian group. Meanwhile, a 4-member NIA team rushed to the spot to investigate the matter along with the local police. Besides, an eight-member National Security Guard (NSG) team, including an officer, is headed to Kerala to inquire about the explosion. The team is expected to reach the bomb blast site by Sunday evening.

The police said they received a call about the blast at around 9 am. Visuals of the incident showed a fire rescue team and police personnel in large numbers evacuating people from the site.

Disturbing visuals of the blast inside the convention centre showed the hall engulfed in multiple fires as people were screaming in fear. Hundreds of people were seen outside the convention centre after the explosion. An eyewitness claimed that he heard the noise of three blasts.

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 Medical Education Department to provide the best treatment for those injured in the explosion in Kalamassery.

"Around 40 people were injured. A ten-year-old child has got severe burns and is in critical condition. One person died and her body is at Kalamassery Medical College. Seven are in ICU at Kalamassery Medical College. We might not have a major increase in the number of injured people. But the number might reach upto 50," the health minister said.

Kerala DGP urged people not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media. He also warned stringent action for spreading hatred on social media.

 

Stating that they are yet to identify the cause of the explosion, the Industries Minister and Kalamassery MLA, 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."