KOCHI: The first explosion was in the middle of the hall during the convention of Jehovah Witnesses in Kalamassery. Eyewitnesses said three or four small explosions followed later.

The blast was during the time of the prayers. The injured were seen falling down screaming. The chairs in the hall caught fire in the explosion. The women who had come to the meeting ran outside screaming. The fire force extinguished the fire. More police have reached the spot. The police said that it is not possible to say what happened now and the reason will be clear only after the investigation. ADGP in charge of law and order and ADGP Intelligence have left to the spot. The police have sealed the hall. All district police chiefs have been directed to be vigilant in the wake of the incident. The state anti-terrorist squad has also reached the spot.

A woman was killed and more than 25 people were injured in the blast that occurred at 9:30 this morning. Reports said that the condition of some of them is serious. The explosion took place at the Samra International Convention Center near the Medical College in Kalamassery. Today was the last day of the conference which has been going on since October 27.

More than 2000 people participated in the conference. The injured were shifted to Kalamassery Medical College.

Warning for hospitals
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.