At least 44 dead, 50 hurt in blasts

HYDERABAD, India, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Back-to-back explosions thought to be set by terrorists killed at least 44 people and injured more than 50 Saturday night in Hyderabad, India, it was reported.

Authorities uncovered explosives at 16 other locations in and near the city, Y.S.R. Reddy, chief minister of Andhra Pradesh state, told CNN. Security was strengthened at the airport and railroads after police said the blasts were coordinated attacks.

"This is definitely terrorist activity," Reddy said.

The first blast occurred at 10 p.m. at Lumbini Park’s open-air auditorium in Hyderabad, where a laser show was being watched by a crowd of about 500 people. The second came 15 minutes later at snack shop in a commercial area about five miles away, Zeenews.com reported.

The explosions sent people fleeing from the area in terror. Police at the scene confirmed the fatalities and injuries, said Zeenews.com.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issued a statement expressing concern over the apparent attack.