Helium cylinder blast near Mysuru Palace kills balloon vendor, injures five
Mysuru: Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar said a helium cylinder blast near Mysuru Palace on Thursday night killed a balloon vendor and injured five bystanders, prompting police to launch a detailed investigation.
She said the deceased was a man aged around 40 years. Police were working to formally confirm his identity. The explosion occurred at around 8.30 pm near one of the main palace gates. At that time, the area was crowded with tourists and local residents.
According to police officials, the victim was selling balloons near the palace entrance. He was filling balloons using a small pressurised helium cylinder mounted on a bicycle. The cylinder suddenly ruptured and exploded with great force. The impact killed the vendor on the spot and sent shockwaves through the crowd.
People standing nearby suffered injuries due to the blast and flying debris. Five bystanders sustained injuries in total. One injured person remained in critical condition late on Thursday night. Doctors admitted the other four to nearby hospitals and began treatment.
Police officers rushed to the spot within minutes. They secured the area to prevent further risk. Senior officials also visited the scene to assess the situation. Traffic near the palace gates slowed briefly as police cleared the area.
Safety concerns raised after helium cylinder blast near palace
After the helium cylinder blast, police cordoned off the site and carried out a preliminary inspection. Officers began examining the damaged cylinder to determine the exact cause of the failure.
Police said they were checking whether the vendor had obtained proper permission to use the pressurised cylinder. They were also verifying if the cylinder met safety standards. Investigators were probing whether overfilling or poor maintenance triggered the explosion.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety norms in crowded public spaces. Police officials said they would review the use of gas cylinders by street vendors, especially near major tourist attractions and during festive hours.
