A late evening explosion involving a large helium cylinder claimed one life and left four people injured, including three tourists, right in front of the iconic Mysuru Palace on Thursday. The incident has cast a shadow over the palace's ongoing winter festivities.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The powerful blast occurred around 8:30 PM near the main entry gate of the illuminated palace. The force of the explosion was so severe that it was reportedly heard from a distance of up to one kilometer. The cylinder was being used by a 42-year-old balloon seller to fill balloons with helium. While the identity of the deceased seller is yet to be officially released, police sources have indicated they are ruling out foul play at this stage.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
Four individuals sustained injuries in the blast and were swiftly transported to KR Hospital in Mysuru. Among the injured tourists, Lakshmi from Bengaluru is said to be in a critical condition. The other injured tourists have been identified as Manjula from Nanjangud and Kotresh Gutte from Ranebannur. The fourth injured person is Shalina Shabbir, a native of Kolkata.
At the time of the accident, the palace's main gate was closed for visitors. However, tourists were inside the premises enjoying a flower show and a musical event organized by the Mysuru Palace Board as part of its winter festival.
Police Response and Investigation
Law enforcement reacted promptly, with police personnel rushing to the spot within minutes. City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar personally visited the site to assess the situation. Forensic experts were also deployed to the location to collect evidence and piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the catastrophic failure of the cylinder.
The tragic event underscores the potential hazards associated with handling gas cylinders in crowded public spaces, especially near major tourist landmarks.
