Kerala Guv expresses ‘shock’ over Kerala blast, prays for speedy recovery of the injured

Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed shock over the blast that ripped through the Jehovah Convention Center in Kalamassery, Kerala, on Sunday (October 29) morning, killing one and injuring many. He expressed condolences toward the kin of the deceased person and prayed for the recovery of the injured in the blast.

"Shocked to hear about the blast at a religious gathering at Kalamassery, killing one person and injuring over 20. Heartfelt condolences to the kin of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said a message released by PRO, Kerala Raj Bhavan.

One dead, six critical

Explaining the blast, Kerala DGP held a press briefing and said, "Today morning, at 9:40 a.m. approximately, there was an explosion in Christian convention center Kalamassery, in which one person has died and 36 people are undergoing treatment as per our information. There, a convention was underway and all our senior officers including our Commissioner of Police and others were at the spot and are investigating the matter. We will find out who is behind this and stringent action will be taken." As per the latest developments, one person has surrendered in connection to the matter.

According to the Kerala health minister, after the blast, 52 people have been hospitalised. 18 are critically injured and 6 are in critical condition.

Eyewitness account

Eyewitnesses reported three consecutive explosions. Tragically, one woman lost her life in the incident. Ernakulam District Collector confirmed that 18 of the critically injured people are receiving treatment at the burns unit of Kalamassery Medical College.

'It was an accident. We all rushed out. That's all that we know. Got everybody to safety. That's all we can say now. We're going to meet the officers, so we'll know what the situation is," said Saju, a committee member and eyewitness, following the blast.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of the blasts. A National Security Guard (NSG) team has also been dispatched to the spot from the national capital.