One killed, four injured as gas cylinder explodes near Mysuru palace gate

One person was killed and at least four others were injured when a gas cylinder used to fill balloons, exploded near the palace gate on Thursday.

Being Christmas and a holiday, the area was packed with tourists and locals alike and the public was soaking in the beauty of the illuminated palace where a concert was in progress.

Vendors dealing with popcorn to groundnuts and gas balloons were making brisk business  when the explosion rocked the area. It transpired that the cylinder used to fill helium in the balloon exploded at around 8 p.m. near the Jayamartanda Gate of the palace, resulting in the death of the vendor.

Commissioner of Police Seema Latkar said that the injured were identified as Lakshmi of Bengaluru, Manjula of Nanjangud, Kotreshi of Ranebennur and Shahina of Kolkata, were shifted to K.R. Hospital for treatment.

However, the identity of the balloon seller was yet to be established, said Ms. Latkar. He was a regular in the area and was carrying a portable cylinder on his bicycle which exploded resulting in his death, according to Ms. Latkar. Though multiple sources claimed the death toll could be two, Ms. Latkar confirmed one death.

The police cordoned off the area and sniffer dogs were pressed into service along with personnel from Forensic Laboratory, who scoured the area for other evidences and confirmed that it was the helium gas cylinder which had exploded.