Mysuru Cylinder Blast: One Killed, Several Injured

A festive evening near the iconic Mysuru Palace turned tragic on Thursday night when a helium gas cylinder exploded near one of the palace gates, killing a balloon vendor and injuring at least five others.

The incident occurred around 8.30 pm, when the palace surroundings were crowded with tourists and local visitors. According to police, the vendor was filling balloons from a small pressurised helium cylinder mounted on a bicycle when the cylinder suddenly exploded. The impact was severe, killing the vendor on the spot and triggering panic among the crowd.

Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar said the deceased was a man aged around 40 years. While his identity is yet to be formally confirmed, five bystanders sustained injuries in the blast. One of them is reported to be in critical condition, while the others are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

Police immediately cordoned off the area and launched a preliminary investigation to ascertain the cause of the cylinder failure. The incident has once again raised serious questions about safety norms, licensing, and the unchecked use of pressurised gas cylinders in crowded public spaces.