One killed, several injured in explosions in India's Kerala state
A convention center in the southern Indian state of Kerala as a series of explosions occurred during a prayer meeting hosted by a Christian group. At least one person lost their life, and several others sustained injuries during the incident.
The explosions unfolded at a convention center in Kalamassery, located approximately 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) northeast of Kochi, where a gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses was in progress. The Christian group was holding a three-day zonal convention that had garnered more than 2,000 registrations, as reported by local media.
Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, confirmed the casualties, stating, "One person has been killed, and two other people are in critical condition, while others have been hospitalized." He expressed the need to gather further details about the incident and deemed it a highly unfortunate occurrence. The police are actively investigating the matter.
According to P V Baby, the local assistant police commissioner, one woman lost her life, and five individuals suffered significant burns from the flames during the prayer meetings attended by approximately 2,500 people. The event was marred by the unfortunate incidents.
Local newspaper Mathrubhumi reported that at least three explosions took place inside the convention hall, resulting in more than 23 people sustaining injuries. Those injured were promptly rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Describing the sequence of events, TA Sreekumar, the regional spokesperson for the Jehovah’s Witnesses, revealed that the first explosion occurred shortly after the conclusion of a prayer as part of the day's proceedings. Subsequently, two more explosions erupted almost simultaneously on either side of the hall. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation into its causes and implications.
.png "Advertisement")
