2 Dead In Kerala Serial Blasts At Prayer Meeting, 48-Year-Old

In an unfortunate incident at a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala, two women lost their lives, and 45 individuals sustained injuries due to a series of explosions that sent shockwaves throughout the country. The blasts occurred during a prayer meeting organized by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, taking place about 10 kilometers from Kochi. Within minutes of the meeting’s commencement, at least three explosions were reported.

A 48-year-old man named Dominic Martin later claimed responsibility and surrendered to authorities. Martin asserted that he belonged to the same Christian denomination that had organized the prayer gathering.

Approximately 2,000 people were in attendance at the convention center when the explosions took place. Eyewitnesses at the scene informed the media that the first blast disrupted the prayer, and it was later revealed that explosives had been concealed inside a tiffin box.

Hibi Eden, the Member of Parliament for Kalamassery, disclosed that the initial explosion occurred at the center of the hall. Fortunately, the group had a prearranged evacuation plan, which was put into action immediately after the first blast. However, a significant amount of smoke led to a stampede.

Currently, 45 injured individuals are receiving treatment at various hospitals in the district, with 18 of them in the intensive care unit. Five of the blast victims are in critical condition.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the blasts as regrettable and emphasized that the situation is being treated with utmost seriousness. Senior police officials from the state are en route to the blast site.

The National Investigation Agency, specialized in counter-terrorism operations, will conduct an investigation into the blasts. Their forensic team has already arrived at the scene to collect evidence.

Visual footage from the incident depicts a significant response from fire rescue and police personnel, who evacuated people from the site, which has been cordoned off.

Inside the convention center, disturbing videos show multiple fires and panicked individuals, including children, screaming in fear. Some people are seen attempting to extinguish the fires, amidst scattered and damaged chairs.

Following the explosions, hundreds of individuals were seen outside the convention center.

In response to the incident, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed all healthcare workers to report for duty.

Security has been heightened in the national capital and Mumbai in the wake of these serial blasts.