In a shocking turn of events, a series of explosions rocked a prayer meeting at a convention center in Kerala’s Kalamassery today, resulting in at least one fatality and 36 people sustaining injuries, according to authorities. These blasts, with at least three reported within minutes of the prayer meeting’s commencement, have plunged the community into a state of turmoil.
This tragic incident unfolded during a Jehovah’s Witnesses convention at the Kalamassery center, located approximately 10 kilometers from Kochi. Nearly 2,000 individuals had gathered for the prayer meeting, making the situation all the more harrowing.
Witnesses who were present at the convention center recounted how the first explosion disrupted a moment of prayer. Officials have disclosed that the explosives were concealed inside a lunchbox, escalating the gravity of the situation. Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has labeled these blasts as ‘unfortunate’ and emphasized that the authorities are treating the situation with the utmost seriousness. High-ranking police officials from across the state are rushing to the blast site to manage the crisis.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will spearhead the investigation into these blasts, with the agency’s forensic team already on the scene, actively collecting crucial evidence.
Disturbing visuals of the incident depict fire rescue and law enforcement personnel working tirelessly to evacuate individuals from the affected area, which has now been cordoned off for security reasons.
Inside the convention center, distressing videos capture multiple fires raging, while the terrified cries of attendees, including children, fill the air. Additionally, these videos reveal courageous individuals attempting to extinguish the flames amidst a chaotic scene, where chairs are strewn about and damaged.
