Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called the blast at a convention centre an "unfortunate" incident, adding that the government is collecting details of the incident. He said the DGP is moving to the spot and the issue is being taken "very seriously". One person has died and over 20 were injured in the explosion on Sunday.
"It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation," the CM, as quoted by ANI.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to provide the best treatment to those injured in the Kalamasery explosion. Hospitals have been alerted. The minister directed all health workers, including doctors, who are on leave to return immediately. Instructions were also given to prepare additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College.
People present at the site of the blast told PTI that multiple blasts rocked the area and the first one occurred during the prayer meeting. "Subsequently, we heard two more blasts," an old lady who was inside the centre told news agency PTI.
A Kalamassery police officer said the cause of the blast was yet to be ascertained and whether there was more than one blast was not confirmed yet.