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Serial blasts inside a Convention Centre in Kerala during a prayer meet; 1 dead and over 30 injured.
At least one person killed and more than 30 injured in multiple blasts reported inside a convention centre at Kalamassery in Kerala. Religious prayer meeting was underway when the blasts were reported. Initial investigation indicate, at least three blasts happened in a span of few minutes. First blast reported around 9.40am, according to eye witnesses. A Jehovah's Witnesses convention session was on, part of their three day events at the convention centre, about 10 kilometres from state capital Kochi and was attended by more than 2,000 people.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the blasts as 'unfortunate' and said that the situation is being “viewed seriously”. He added that all senior police officials in the state have been sent to the blast site. Meanwhile Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the state Chief Minister. National Investigation Team reached to the spot for collection of samples, the central agency will be investigating the matter. Anti terror squad was also rushed to the spot. The nature of the explosion is yet to be confirmed but initial investigation reveal that explosive could have been brought in a tiffin box inside the convention.
Visuals emerge showing the horror in the aftermath of the explosion where hundreds of people could be seen running shelter and skelter. Fire could be seen in the visuals inside the convention and smoke had engulfed the hall. Disturbing videos also show people people screaming for help.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George ordered all health workers on leave to return immediately and directed the Directors of the Health Department and Medical Education Department to provide the all possible treatment for those injured in the explosion.
A 8-member National Security Guard (NSG) team leaves for Kerala to inquire about the blasts. The team is expected to reach the bomb blast site by this evening.