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Kochi: On Sunday morning, a police said that one person died and over 20 were injured in a blast at a convention centre in Kalamassery, police said. The incident reportedly took place when a prayer meet of Jehovah’s Witnesses was going on at the centre in Kalamassery, located around 9.6 km northeast of Kochi.
An officer of Kalamassery police said the cause of the blast or whether there was more than one was not confirmed. According to reports, more than 20 people suffered injuries in the explosion and they have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev said that the blast site has been cordoned off and police and fire rescue have been pressed into service. The blast reportedly occurred at a convention centre of a Christian group.
Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev also urged government healthcare professionals to report for duty following the explosion. A probe into the incident has been launched. He said a call was received around 9 am about the blast and seeking police assistance.
Visuals of the incident on TV channels showed fire rescue and police personnel in large numbers evacuating people from the site. Meanwhile, a NIA team will conduct its investigation along with the local police as a 4-member team left from the Kochi branch office.
Disturbing visuals of the explosion inside the convention center showed multiple incidents of fire inside the hall and people screaming in fear. Hundreds of people were seen outside the convention center after the blast. Health Minister Veena George has directed all health workers, including doctors who were on leave, to return immediately. She has also informed the Director of Health Department and Director of Medical Education Department to provide best treatment to the people injured in the explosion in Kalamassery.
