1 killed, over 36 injured in series of blast at Kochi convention centre: What we know so far

NEW DELHI: At least one person died, and more than 36 others sustained injuries in a series of blast that occurred at a convention center in Kochi's Kalamassery on Sunday.

Also See: Kerala Bomb Blast News

The police said the incident took place at a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses. Sunday was the last day of the three-day meeting, which started on October 27, and around 2,500 people were attending the prayer meeting.

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Here's what we know so far

*People who were present at the convention centre said that the first blast occurred in the middle of a prayer, around 9.30am.

*Sources said there were three blasts, and that the second and third occurred minutes after the first one.

*The Kerala police department later said that an IED device was used for the explosion. The DGP said that a preliminary investigation suggested that the device might have been placed inside a tiffin box. The police also appealed to people to not engage in any kind of "social media campaign".

*A Kalamassery police official said the cause of the blasts were not confirmed.

*Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the incident as 'unfortunate'.

*Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Vijayan and took stock of the situation.

*Shah also directed anti-terror agencies NSG, NIA to send teams to Kerala to assist the state government.

*Reports also state that the NIA will conduct a probe into the matter.

*Kerala health minister Veena George has urged government healthcare professionals to report for duty in the wake of the incident.

*State industries minister P Rajeev said the site has been cordoned off and police and rescue teams have been pressed into service.

*As per reports, few of the injured people have suffered serious burns. *Ernakulam district collector said among the 36 people injured in the blasts, 10 are in the burns unit of Kalamassery Medical College.

*Officials said there were around 2,500 people inside the hall when the incident occurred.