Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru
Mysuru, Dec 27: Tragedy struck Mysuru Palace on Christmas Day when a helium cylinder exploded, killing two more women on Friday and raising the death toll to three.
The deceased have been identified as Manjula from Chamalapura, Nanjangud, and Lakshmi, 29, a resident of Bengaluru.
The explosion occurred on Thursday night, December 25, near the Jayamarthanda Gate while balloons were being inflated for festivities. Salim, who was present at the site, died instantly. The seriously injured Manjula and Lakshmi were admitted to K R Hospital in Mysuru, but both succumbed to their injuries on Friday.
Salim had arrived in Mysuru months ago to sell ice cream and balloons in the tourist areas around the palace. He was staying in a lodge with three colleagues.
Lakshmi’s husband, Rajesh, originally from Hosanahalli village in Mandya, works as an auto driver in Bengaluru. With their children on holiday, Lakshmi had travelled to Mysuru and was staying with relatives in Belawadi. Rajesh stated that the accident occurred while Lakshmi had visited Gopalaswamy Betta temple and the flower exhibition before heading to the palace.
Lakshmi, along with her two children and sister Ranjita, had travelled from Bengaluru for Christmas and were staying with relatives.
Two other injured individuals, KSRTC employee Kottresh Beerappa Gattar and Ranjita, continue to receive treatment. Both are reported to be in stable condition under close medical supervision.
A forensic laboratory team visited the blast site to collect evidence and technical data to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion.
District in-charge minister Dr H C Mahadevappa visited K R Hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured. Officials stressed that there was no foul play involved. Salim had been selling items to tourists, and the blast appears to have been entirely accidental. The government has pledged to cover all medical expenses of the injured.
Regarding an NIA probe, authorities said that central agencies investigate incidents involving explosions as per protocol, but no evidence of terrorist activity has been found.
Following a complaint by the injured Kottresh, police have registered an FIR against the deceased Salim under the BNS 2023 Section 106 for negligence, Sections 125 (A) and 125 (5) for acts causing death through negligence or endangering life, and Section 98 (1) of the Explosives Act, 1854.