Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala.
The blasts are suspected to be a terror attack. More fire units and police personnel reached the site of the blast.
Kochi city police commissioner and Anti-terrorist police personnel were also present at the site and Intelligence ADGP is expected to reach Kalamassery. As per media reports, the blasts’ site was cordoned off and the fire rescue team and police were pressed into service, said Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev.
The explosions took place while a Jehovah Witness Convention was going on, as per reports. The distress call was made by the authorities at 9 am (local time).
Speaking to regional Indian channels, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara said that one person was killed and 20 to 25 people were injured in the blasts which took place within 5-10 seconds.
“Situation is in control, according to initial investigation, two blasts happened in 5 to 10 seconds… Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are at the spot. The investigation will give clarity on whether this was a bomb blast,” he added.
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As per ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George appealed to all government healthcare professionals to report for duty, even those who were on leave, after the blast occurred. She further asked the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to give the best treatment to those injured in the blasts.
The minister also gave instructions to prepare for additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College.
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Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It’s a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.”
According to preliminary probe, the blasts at convention centre in Kalamassery were due to IEDs, news agency
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