Mysore palace blast: balloon vendor Salim identified, five others injured

A helium cylinder blast near Mysore Palace killed vendor Salim and injured five visitors, with one critical. Police probe safety lapses amid holiday crowds

Mysore witnessed a tragic incident on Christmas evening when a helium cylinder exploded near the iconic Mysore Palace, killing a balloon vendor and injuring five bystanders. The accident occurred close to the Jaya Martanda gate, where the vendor was selling balloons from his bicycle.

According to police reports, the cylinder burst suddenly while being used to fill balloons, causing a powerful blast that tore apart the vendor’s body. The victim has been identified as 40‑old Lakshmi from Bengaluru is reported to be in critical condition. Others receiving medical care include Manjula from Nanjangud, Shahnaz Shabbir from Kolkata, and Kotresh Gutte from Ranebennur.

Eyewitnesses described the sudden chaos that followed the blast. Palace guide Yogesh recounted that tourists nearby had approached the vendor to buy balloons when the cylinder exploded. Panic spread quickly as visitors fled the scene, shocked by the loud noise and the devastation it caused.

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The festive season had drawn large crowds to Mysore Palace, intensifying the impact of the tragedy. Relatives of the injured expressed grief and fear, with children reportedly crying for their loved ones as families struggled to process the incident.

Police officials have cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Authorities are examining whether safety protocols were violated and how the vendor came to operate with the cylinder in such a crowded public space.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the use of helium cylinders by street vendors in tourist areas. As Mysore mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of the injured, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

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