A devastating explosion involving a helium cylinder has claimed three lives and left several others injured in a tragic incident near the iconic Mysuru Palace. The blast, which occurred on a busy street, has sent shockwaves through the historic city, prompting a swift response from emergency services and a detailed investigation by the authorities.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The explosion took place on Sunday evening around 6:30 PM on Devraj Urs Road, a prominent location in the heart of Mysuru, close to the famed Amba Vilas Palace. According to preliminary reports from the police, the incident happened when a helium cylinder, reportedly being used for inflating balloons, exploded with tremendous force.
The victims have been identified as Manjunath (35), his wife Pavithra (32), and their relative Nethravathi (65). The family was reportedly operating a balloon-selling business in the area. The blast was so powerful that it caused significant damage to a nearby car and shattered window panes of surrounding buildings, creating a scene of chaos and panic.
Eyewitnesses described a loud sound resembling a bomb blast, followed by people screaming and running for safety. Local shopkeepers and residents rushed to the spot to help the injured before police and fire personnel arrived. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, including Krishnarajendra Hospital, for urgent medical treatment.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Mysuru City Police Commissioner B. Ramesh confirmed the rising death toll and provided details of the ongoing probe. "The death toll in the cylinder blast has increased to three," stated Commissioner Ramesh. He emphasized that a thorough investigation has been launched to determine the exact sequence of events and the cause of the explosion.
Forensic experts and bomb disposal squad personnel were summoned to the site to collect evidence and rule out any foul play. Initial findings suggest the blast was an accident, possibly triggered by a leak or mishandling of the pressurized helium cylinder. However, police are examining all angles, including the storage and handling procedures for such gas cylinders in a crowded public area.
The local authorities have also initiated a review of safety regulations for street vendors and small businesses using compressed gas cylinders in densely populated zones to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Community Shock and Aftermath
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the Mysuru community, especially in the commercial areas near the palace, which are usually bustling with tourists and locals. The tragic loss of a young couple and an elderly family member has drawn expressions of sorrow and sympathy from citizens and leaders alike.
The explosion highlights critical concerns about public safety and the informal use of industrial equipment in urban spaces. It raises questions about oversight, safety awareness, and the need for stricter enforcement of guidelines for handling hazardous materials, even those perceived as relatively benign like helium.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the families of the deceased and the injured. The Mysuru police have assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ascertain the complete facts behind this unfortunate accident that has left three families shattered.
