Helium gas cylinder tragedy; Death toll rised to 3
Mysuru:The death toll in the helium-filled gas cylinder explosion near the Mysuru Palace has risen to three, after two women who sustained critical injuries succumbed during treatment on Saturday.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday night (December 25) near the Jayamarthanda Gate of the Palace, a major tourist spot that witnesses heavy footfall, especially during festivals and holidays. The deceased women have been identified as Manjula, a resident of Chamalapura in Nanjangud taluk, and Lakshmi (29), originally from Bengaluru.
Both were undergoing treatment at K.R. Hospital in Mysuru after suffering severe burn injuries in the blast. Despite intensive medical care, doctors could not save them. Earlier, Salim, a balloon vendor from Uttar Pradesh, had died on the spot in the explosion.
According to the police, the incident took place around 8.30 pm on Christmas night. Salim was selling balloons near the palace gate and was refilling them with helium gas from a cylinder mounted on his bicycle. During the process, the cylinder reportedly exploded suddenly, triggering panic in the crowded area.
Apart from Salim, five others, including Manjula and Lakshmi, sustained injuries in the blast. Lakshmi’s death has deeply affected her family. Her husband Rajesh, a native of Hoshahalli village in Mandya district, earns his livelihood as an auto-rickshaw driver in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya area.
With schools closed for holidays, the family had come to Mysuru to visit relatives in Belavadi. While visiting the Palace, Lakshmi was caught in the blast and suffered critical injuries. What was meant to be a short family trip ended in tragedy.
Manjula, who was also present near the Palace at the time of the incident, sustained serious injuries due to the impact of the explosion and was admitted to K.R. Hospital along with Lakshmi. Both women fought for their lives for nearly two days before succumbing.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara said he had directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report. “A balloon vendor from Uttar Pradesh has lost his life. It appears there is no proper regulation or monitoring of small-time vendors operating in crowded tourist areas. Since large numbers of tourists visit Mysuru Palace, stricter measures are required,” he said.
The Home Minister further stated that officials from the Tourism Department would be consulted to ensure such incidents do not recur. “How did the balloon vendor procure a helium cylinder? Where was it purchased from? All these aspects will be investigated in detail and a report will be submitted,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar termed the incident an unfortunate accident rather than a law-and-order failure. “This was an accident. There is scope to provide compensation to the victims’ families under both Central and State government provisions,” he said.
The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and the unchecked use of hazardous materials in high-security and high-tourist zones like the Mysuru Palace. Locals and tourists alike have demanded stricter enforcement, better regulation of vendors, and clear safety protocols to prevent such deadly accidents in the future.
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