1 killed, 40 injured in blasts at convention center in Ernakulam, Kerala, fear of terrorist attack

One person was killed and over 40 injured in a suspected terrorist attack at a convention center in Kalamassery in Kerala’s Ernakulam district on Sunday morning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the condition of some of the injured was critical.

Witnesses said several explosions occurred during a Jehovah’s Witness conference, for which more than 2,000 people had gathered. Sources have told News18 that initial assessment suggests that this is a terrorist attack, especially serial blasts. Bomb disposal squad, forensic team and NIA team have reached the spot.

ACP Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner Baby PV confirmed to News 18 that one person has died in the blasts, around 40 people have been injured and some of them are in critical condition. He also confirmed that there was not just one but multiple explosions. “All investigating agencies are present at the spot, investigation is going on… Investigation will reveal whether it is a bomb blast… One dead, 40 injured, four-five seriously injured. The situation is under control,” said Baby PV.

‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ are a group of Christians who do not identify as Protestant. The Jehovah’s Witness convention is an annual gathering consisting of larger gatherings called “regional conventions” that are usually three days long, Friday–Sunday.