One person killed and several injured in explosions at a convention centre in India’s Kerala state
During a Jehovah’s Witnesses convention in Kalamassery, Kerala, a series of explosions occurred resulting in casualties. The convention had over 2,000 participants.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his concern over the incident and stated that the police are investigating the matter.
Kerala’s industry minister, P. Rajeev, mentioned that the cause of the explosion is still unknown and a detailed investigation is underway.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, an international Christian denomination known for door-to-door evangelism, were hosting the convention. Local newspaper Mathrubhumi reported that at least three explosions took place, injuring more than 23 people.
Kerala’s health minister, Veena George, has instructed the health and medical education departments to provide quality treatment to the injured.
The spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses, TA Sreekumar, mentioned that the explosions occurred after a prayer session, with the first blast happening in the middle of the hall and two subsequent explosions on either side of the hall.
Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have approximately 60,000 followers in India.