KOCHI: One person died in a major blast at the convention center in Kalamassery. Many people were seriously injured. The blast was at the Samra International Convention Center, where the Jehovah's Witnesses Convention was held at around 9:30 Sunday morning. There were many people in the hall. The initial conclusion is that 23 people were injured. Eyewitnesses said the condition of five is stated to be critical. Today was the last day of the conference which has been going on since October 27.

A person who escaped from the hall said that there was an explosion first, followed by further explosions. There were more than 2,000 people in the hall. It needs to be investigated whether the blast was due to a technical fault or some other reason. The injured have been shifted to Kalamassery Medical College.

The police and fire brigade have reached the spot. Rescue operations are going on.

Health Minister Veena George directed the director of the health department and the director of the medical education department to provide better treatment following the explosion in Kalamassery. Hospitals have also been alerted. All health workers, including doctors, who are on leave, have been directed to return immediately.

Directions were also given to prepare additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College. The service of additional employees will also be provided. The minister has given instructions to provide facilities in other hospitals of the district.