Kerala: Officials said that a series of explosions at a conference centre in Kalamassery, Kerala, today resulted in at least one fatality and 23 injuries. Shortly after the commencement of the prayer service, at least three explosions were reported.
Jehovah’s Witness Conference Scene
About ten kilometres from Kochi, in the centre of Kalamassery, there was a Jehovah’s Witness conference when the tragedy happened. There were around 2,000 persons present at the prayer meeting. The media was informed by those in attendance at the convention centre that the first explosion happened during a prayer. “We heard two more blasts after that,” an elderly woman within the institution stated.
Pinarayi Vijayan on the ‘Unfortunate’ Explosions
Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, called the explosions “unfortunate” and stated that the situation is being taken seriously. The state’s top cops are all en route to the explosion scene. Following the explosion, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has ordered all medical personnel to report for duty. The National Investigation Agency will now look into the cause of the explosion, as it is currently unknown. The forensic team from the agency has already arrived and is gathering evidence.
Rescue Operation in Full Swing
Images from the scene showed a huge number of police and fire rescue personnel evacuating individuals from the now-corralled spot. Unsettling footage captured from within the convention centre revealed numerous fires within the hall, with families and kids heard yelling in terror. Along with chairs that were broken and strewn all over the hall, the footage also showed several people attempting to put out the fires. Following the explosion, hundreds of people were spotted outside the convention centre.
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