One killed, several injured in blasts at prayer meeting in Kalamassery
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New Delhi: At least three blasts on Sunday, occurred minutes apart at a prayer meeting in Kerala's Kalamassery, killed one person and injured 23, NDTV reported.
A Jehovah's Witnesses convention was underway about 10 kilometres from Kochi with nearly 2,000 in attendance when the blasts occurred.
Media reports quoting those present at the convention said that first blast occurred in the middle of the prayer.
An elderly woman who was inside the centre at the time of blast reportedly said: "Subsequently, we heard two more blasts."
Kerala chief Pinarayi Vijayan said that the situation is closely watched adding that the blasts are ‘unfortunate’.
Responding to the situation quickly, all senior police officials have headed to the blast scene.
The National Investigation Agency’s forensic team is combing the scene for evidence; however, the cause of the blast has not been known yet.
Videos emerging from the place showed fire rescue and police evacuating people from the convention centre.
They also showed fires inside the hall with people including children screaming in fear.
Following the blast, Kerala Health Minister Veena George asked healthcare workers to report for duty.