In a devastating incident, an explosion rocked the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kerala’s Kochi district on Sunday, resulting in the loss of one life and leaving more than 20 people injured, according to local authorities.
The explosion occurred at approximately 9:30 am during a prayer meeting organized by Jehovah’s Witnesses, with over 2,000 attendees at the venue in Kalamassery, police reported. The three-day prayer gathering was set to conclude on Sunday.
In the aftermath of the explosion, fire personnel and a team of police swiftly arrived at the scene and recovered the body of the deceased. Additionally, teams of counter-terrorism experts and the National Security Guards (NSG) have been dispatched to investigate the incident at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church.
The injured victims have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery, as well as several private hospitals, as per the police.
Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed his condolences for the tragic incident and informed that top police officials, including the state Director General of Police (DGP), are en route to the scene.
“It is a highly unfortunate incident. Details are being collected. Top police officials, including the state DGP, are on the way to the spot. We are looking at it seriously. One person has died, and there are several injured,” the chief minister stated.
Reports from sources familiar with the situation suggest that multiple explosions took place inside the convention center.
Meanwhile, Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has directed health department officials to provide the best possible treatment to those injured in the Kalamassery explosion. Hospitals have been put on alert, and the minister has called for all health workers, including doctors on leave, to return immediately to assist in the response efforts.
