Kerala DGP, senior police officials rush to Kalamassery

Kochi: A series of explosions shook a convention centre in Kalamassery on Sunday morning as over 2000 believers, including youngsters and elderly, congregated for prayers on the final day of the regional Jehovah's Witnesses convention.

Kerala DGP and other senior police officers are on their way to Kalamassery. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had termed the blast in Kalamassery 'unfortunate'. 

According to eyewitnesses, everyone fled the hall immediately after the explosion, amidst smoke filling the room. Some were less lucky, suffering severe burns as a result of the blast.  

Sadly, a woman succumbed and 23 persons were rushed to Kalamassery Medical College with burn injuries. According to reports, numerous others have mild injuries. When the fire force unit arrived at the spot, the fire was still burning inside the hall. Meanwhile, the police haven't ruled out conspiracy angle. 

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the blast occurred simultaneously inside the hall during the prayers. It is unclear what caused the blasts.