Serial Explosions at Kerala Prayer Meeting; Anti-Terror Team Rushes To Site

In a tragic incident today, a series of explosions rocked a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala, during a Jehovah's Witnesses prayer meeting, resulting in one fatality and 36 individuals sustaining injuries. The explosive devices were detonated within minutes of the prayer meeting's commencement. This harrowing incident unfolded just 10 kilometers from Kochi and was attended by approximately 2,000 people.

Eyewitnesses at the convention center reported that the first explosion disrupted a prayer session, with officials revealing that explosives were concealed within a lunchbox.

Kalamassery MP Hibi Eden explained that the initial explosion occurred at the heart of the hall. He also commended the swift evacuation plan in place, which was activated immediately following the first blast.

Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, described the explosions as "unfortunate" and emphasized the seriousness with which the situation is being treated. Senior police officers across the state are en route to the blast site to manage the aftermath.

The National Investigation Agency has taken charge of the blast investigation, with their forensic team already on-site, diligently collecting evidence.

Visuals from the scene displayed a substantial presence of fire rescue and law enforcement personnel, overseeing the evacuation of individuals from the now cordoned-off area. Disturbing videos from within the convention center depicted fires raging in the hall, amid the sounds of panic and fear, especially among children. Some attendees valiantly attempted to extinguish the flames while the hall bore the brunt of scattered and damaged chairs.

In the wake of the explosions, hundreds of people were seen outside the convention center, reeling from the shock of the incident. Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, has issued a directive for all healthcare professionals to report for duty, underscoring the urgency of the situation.