Helium Cylinder Blast Near Mysuru Palace: 1 Dead, 4 Injured as Explosion Heard 1 km Away

Helium cylinder blast near Mysuru Palace kills 1 balloon seller and injures 4 others. Explosion was heard up to 1 km away

A devastating helium cylinder explosion near Mysuru Palace on Tuesday claimed the life of a balloon seller and left four others seriously injured, triggering panic among locals and tourists in one of Karnataka’s most visited heritage zones. The powerful blast was reportedly heard up to one kilometre away, sending shockwaves through the busy area and raising serious questions about public safety and the handling of compressed gas cylinders in crowded public spaces.

The incident occurred during peak hours when visitors, vendors, and pedestrians were present near the palace premises, amplifying the impact of the tragedy.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion took place when a helium cylinder being used by a balloon seller suddenly ruptured with a loud bang, throwing debris several metres away. The force of the blast knocked people to the ground, shattered nearby objects, and caused momentary chaos.

The balloon seller, who was standing closest to the cylinder, suffered fatal injuries and died on the spot. Four others—including fellow vendors and bystanders—were injured, some sustaining burns and shrapnel wounds.

Residents said the sound of the explosion was so intense that it was mistaken for a bomb blast by people living nearly one kilometre from the site.

Mysuru Palace, a major tourist attraction, sees thousands of visitors daily. The explosion triggered panic among tourists, many of whom rushed away from the area fearing a larger security threat.

Police personnel and palace security quickly cordoned off the site, while emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities temporarily restricted entry to parts of the palace complex to prevent further incidents and allow investigations.

Videos and images from the scene, showing damaged carts, scattered balloons, and smoke, quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention.

The deceased has been identified as a local balloon vendor who earned a living selling balloons to tourists visiting the palace. His sudden death has sparked grief among fellow vendors and residents who described him as a hardworking individual supporting his family through daily earnings.

The injured victims were rushed to government and private hospitals in Mysuru. Doctors confirmed that while some sustained serious injuries, all four are currently stable and undergoing treatment.

Medical teams said the injuries included:

Burn wounds
Impact injuries from the blast force
Minor shrapnel-related wounds

Hospital authorities assured that all necessary medical care was being provided.

Karnataka Police registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary assessments suggest that the blast may have occurred due to improper handling or over-pressurisation of the helium cylinder.

The condition and age of the cylinder
Whether safety valves were functional
Compliance with safety regulations
Source and certification of the gas cylinder

Forensic experts have collected samples from the site to rule out any foul play, although police have stressed that initial findings point to an accident rather than a deliberate act.

The incident has brought renewed focus on safety lapses involving gas cylinders used by street vendors, particularly in high-footfall tourist areas.

Helium cylinders, though commonly used for balloons, are high-pressure containers that require strict handling procedures. Experts warn that exposure to heat, physical damage, or faulty valves can lead to catastrophic failures.

“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation and regular inspections,” said a safety expert. “Many small vendors are unaware of the dangers or lack proper training.”

The district administration expressed condolences to the victim’s family and announced compensation as per government norms. Officials said they would review existing permissions granted to vendors operating near the palace and assess safety compliance.

Authorities also indicated that:

Surprise inspections of vendors using gas cylinders will be conducted
Awareness programs on cylinder safety may be launched
Licensing norms for hazardous materials could be tightened

A senior official stated that public safety, especially in tourist zones, cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and fear following the blast.

“There was a huge sound, and people started screaming,” said a shopkeeper nearby. “For a moment, we thought it was a bomb.”

Another visitor recalled seeing injured people lying on the ground as locals rushed to help before ambulances arrived.

Such accounts underline the trauma experienced by those present and the psychological impact of sudden explosions in public spaces.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many users demanding stricter enforcement of safety norms and questioning how hazardous equipment was allowed in such a crowded area.

Public safety activists pointed out that similar incidents have occurred in other parts of the country involving gas cylinders used for balloons, welding, or cooking.

“There should be clear guidelines and monitoring,” one activist wrote. “Lives are being lost due to negligence.”

Helium is a non-flammable gas, often perceived as harmless. However, experts stress that the danger lies in the pressure, not the gas itself. A ruptured cylinder can explode with immense force, turning metal fragments into deadly projectiles.

Common causes of such explosions include:

Overfilling
Exposure to high temperatures
Physical damage during transport
Faulty or tampered valves

Experts emphasize that cylinders must always be stored upright, away from heat, and handled only by trained individuals.

In the aftermath of the blast, calls are growing for:

Mandatory certification for vendors using gas cylinders
Regular safety audits in public places
Clear demarcation of vendor zones away from dense crowds
Public awareness campaigns on handling compressed gases

Urban safety experts argue that with increasing footfall in tourist hubs, risk assessments must be proactive rather than reactive.

Beyond statistics and investigations, the tragedy has left a family grieving. The deceased vendor’s family members arrived at the scene and hospital, devastated by the sudden loss of their breadwinner.

Local community members have come forward to offer support, while authorities assured assistance to the family.

“This should not have happened,” said a relative. “He went to work like any other day.”

Police investigations are ongoing, and accountability will depend on findings related to negligence or violations of safety norms. Authorities have promised swift action if lapses are identified.

Meanwhile, security around Mysuru Palace has been tightened, and officials are reviewing vendor operations to prevent similar incidents.

Helium Cylinder Blast Near Mysuru Palace: 1 Dead, 4 Injured as Explosion Heard 1 km Away