Kerala blast: Series of explosions at religious gathering in Kerala, counter-terrorism unit dispatched

Kalamassery, Kerala: A series of blasts at a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala, today resulted in at least one fatality and 20 individuals sustaining injuries, according to officials. Two blasts occurred just moments after the prayer meeting commenced.

The incident transpired during a Jehovah's Witnesses convention at the center, situated about 10 kilometers (approximately 6.21 miles) northeast of Kochi.

Eyewitnesses at the convention center revealed that the initial explosion transpired in the middle of a prayer session. "Subsequently, we heard two more blasts," mentioned an elderly lady who was present within the center.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan characterized the blasts as "unfortunate" and emphasized the seriousness with which the situation is being regarded. Senior police officials from the state are en route to the blast site.

In response to the incident, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has issued a directive for all healthcare workers to immediately report for duty.

The cause of the blasts remains unknown and will be subject to investigation by the National Investigation Agency. The agency's forensic team has already arrived at the location and is gathering evidence.