Hyderabad, Aug 25: In a serial blast, atleast 20 persons were killed and over 50 injured at Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat Bhandar here on Saturday evening at around 2000 hrs.
According to reports, the first blast took place at Lumbini Park open-air auditorium, opposite State Secretariat when a laser show was going on. The second blast took place at around 2015 hrs at Gokul Chat shop in Koti area, 5 Km from here.
Following the blasts, people were seen running helter-skelter as a number of them were congregated for the event.
The police officials reached on the spot and confirmed several deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, the injured persons have been admitted to nearby Medicity, Osmania and Yashoda hospitals.
Forensic experts have also reached to ascertain the reason behind the blasts.
High alert has been sounded in the city and security has been tightened throughout.
The Chief Minister YSR Reddy has convened an emergency meeting of top officials to review the situation. The Centre has also spoken to the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.
Condemning the incident, TDP MP from Hyderabad Yerran Naidu has said that the government was warned but it failed to take preventive measures to avoid the tragedy.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condemned the blasts and expressed deep concern.
Earlier this year in May, Andhra Pradesh had witnessed a bomb attack at the historic Mecca Masjid. The blast, which took place during Friday prayers, had killed 14 persons and injured over 50.
The bomb blast in Mecca Masjid had sparked off angry protests by hundreds of youth in and around the mosque and Charminar.
Bureau Report
