Serial blasts in Kerala kill 1 and injure 45

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KERALA, India, Oct 29, (Agencies): A tragic incident unfolded at a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala, where a series of explosions rocked the venue today, leaving one woman dead and injuring 45 others. The blasts occurred during a prayer meeting organized by the Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination, situated about 10 kilometers from Kochi. Shortly after the prayer meeting commenced, at least three explosions took place, causing shock and distress nationwide.

The person claiming responsibility for these acts is a 48-year-old man named Dominic Martin, who later surrendered to authorities. Surprisingly, he asserted his affiliation with the same Christian denomination that had arranged the prayer gathering. Nearly 2,000 attendees were present during the event, and eyewitnesses revealed that the initial blast occurred in the midst of a prayer session, where explosives had been concealed inside a tiffin box.

Kalamassery’s Member of Parliament, Hibi Eden, disclosed that the first explosion took place within the center of the hall. Fortunately, the group had prepared an evacuation plan, which was promptly executed following the first blast. However, the presence of smoke led to a chaotic stampede. As a result, 45 injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment in various local hospitals, with 18 in the intensive care unit. Tragically, five individuals are in critical condition.

Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, described the incident as “unfortunate” and stated that it is being taken seriously by the authorities. Senior police officials from the state are en route to the blast site. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), specializing in counter-terrorism operations, will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the blasts. The NIA’s forensic team has already arrived at the scene to gather evidence.

Disturbing videos and images from within the convention center depict a scene of chaos and panic, with fires raging in the hall. People, including children, could be heard screaming in fear, while some attempted to extinguish the fires amid scattered and damaged chairs. The immediate aftermath showed hundreds of individuals outside the convention center, grappling with the shock of the incident.

In response to the catastrophe, Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has issued a directive for all healthcare workers to report for duty, mobilizing resources to address the ongoing crisis.

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