Mysuru: The toll from a helium cylinder explosion near the Mysuru Palace has climbed to three after another victim succumbed to her injuries, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has triggered a detailed investigation involving multiple agencies.
Lakshmi, 29, a resident of Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya area, passed away late Friday while receiving treatment at KR Hospital. Doctors said she had sustained critical injuries in the blast, including severe damage to her abdomen, and despite prolonged medical care, her condition could not be stabilised.
Police officials said Lakshmi had travelled to Mysuru with her husband Rajesh, an auto-rickshaw driver, and the couple was staying with relatives in Belavadi at the time of the incident. Rajesh hails from Hosahalli village in Mandya district.
The explosion occurred on December 25 and initially claimed the life of Saleem, a balloon vendor, who died at the scene. A day later, Manjula, another woman injured in the blast, also succumbed to her wounds at the same hospital. Saleem, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had been living in Lashkar Mohalla in Mysuru and earned his livelihood by selling helium balloons near tourist spots.
Given the seriousness of the incident and its proximity to a high-security area, the National Investigation Agency has joined local police in examining the circumstances surrounding the explosion. Officials said they are gathering technical details and tracing the source of the cylinder to determine how the blast occurred.
Authorities have assured that the probe is ongoing and that further action will follow once the cause of the explosion is clearly established.
