There were 2,000 people at the convention centre when the blasts took place, police said.
One person was killed and 45 others were injured after multiple explosions at a religious gathering in Kerala today. At least three blasts took place just minutes after a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses began at a Kochi convention centre.
What We Know So Far:
- There were 2,000 people at the convention centre when the blasts took place - the first one at 9.47 am - according to officials. Sunday was the last day of the three-day meeting, which started on October 27.
- Police said those injured were undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the district, of which five people are in critical condition.
- Hours after the blasts, a 48-year-old man claimed responsibility and surrendered.
- Improvised Explosive Device was used in the attack, said Kerala Police, adding a special investigation team will be constituted to probe the case. The explosives were kept in a tiffin box, said sources.
- The anti-terror agency NIA is probing the case. A team of the National Security Guard is also on its way.
- Kalamassary MP Hibi Eden said the group "had an evacuation plan. But, there was a lot of smoke and a stampede happened". "There was a minor blast after a major blast. The place is sealed and cops have taken over," he added.
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the blast as “unfortunate”. State Health Minister Veena George has urged government healthcare professionals to report for duty following the blasts.
- Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister over the blasts.
- Witnesses recounted the terrifying moments following the blasts which occurred minutes after attendees began praying with their eyes closed. "The blast took place in the centre of the hall. I heard three explosions," said a witness.
- Meanwhile, security was increased around churches and at metro stations in the national capital in the wake of the Kerala convention centre blasts.
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