Mysuru: The death toll from the gas cylinder blast involving a balloon vendor near the Jayamarthanda Gate of the Mysuru Palace rose to three on Friday, after two injured women succumbed to their injuries at K R Hospital, intensifying concerns over unsafe practices by street vendors in busy public areas.
Victims succumb to injuries
The victims who died during treatment have been identified as Manjula (29), a flower vendor from Nanjangud, and Lakshmi (49), a tourist from Bengaluru. Both were walking along the footpath when the explosion occurred late on Thursday night. The third victim, balloon vendor Saleem (40), died on the spot due to the impact of the blast.
Hospital authorities confirmed that Manjula and Lakshmi suffered severe burn and blast-related injuries and could not be saved despite emergency medical care.
Gas was not helium, say police
City police investigations have revealed that the cylinder involved did not contain helium, as initially suspected. Mysuru district in-charge minister H C Mahadevappa clarified that Saleem had been using a mixture of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and water to generate gas on his own for filling balloons.
According to officials, the chemical reaction produced hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. The unsafe handling and storage of this mixture is believed to have led to the explosion on the crowded footpath near the palace.
Background of the balloon vendor under scrutiny
Police have intensified their probe and are verifying the antecedents of Saleem. Preliminary inquiries revealed that he had arrived in the city around 15 days ago from Tofiya village in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh and was staying at a lodge in Lashkar Mohalla.
Investigators are questioning two other individuals who were reportedly with Saleem at the time of the incident. Authorities said there were five people associated with the vendor, and their roles are being examined as part of the investigation.
NIA gathers information, visit not confirmed
Amid speculation over security concerns, officials said a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is gathering information from the city police. However, the visit of an NIA team to Mysuru has not been officially confirmed.
Minister Mahadevappa said it was routine for central agencies to seek details when incidents occur in major tourist destinations. He added that city police were sharing all relevant information as required.
Injured victims and medical update
Five others were injured in the blast, with one person continuing to be in critical condition. Four of the injured are being treated at K R Hospital, while one has been shifted to a private hospital.
Those undergoing treatment at K R Hospital include Shahina Shaber (54) from Kolkata, who sustained injuries to her right leg and thigh; Kotresh Beerappa Gutter (34) from Ranebennur, who suffered injuries to his legs and left hand; and his cousin Vedashree, who sustained a minor head injury. Ranjitha Vinod (30), sister-in-law of the deceased Lakshmi, suffered neck injuries and is being treated at a private hospital.
Mahadevappa said four of the injured were recovering steadily, while doctors continued to monitor the critical patient closely.
Government assures support
The district in-charge minister, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy and Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, visited the injured at K R Hospital on Friday. He assured that the state government would bear the full cost of treatment for all victims.
Calling the incident “unexpected and unfortunate,” Mahadevappa said Saleem was a seasonal businessman and denied any malicious intent. He also stated that the others staying with him at the lodge were his family members.
FIR filed despite vendor’s death
The Devaraja police have registered an FIR against the deceased balloon vendor based on a complaint lodged by injured victim Kotresh. Police officials said the case was registered to establish responsibility and document the sequence of events leading to the blast.
Public representatives visit hospital
Mysore–Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayana also visited the injured victims at the hospital and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
Safety concerns raised
The incident has raised serious questions about the use of hazardous chemicals by unregulated street vendors in crowded public spaces. Officials indicated that stricter checks and awareness measures may be considered to prevent similar tragedies in the future, especially in high-footfall tourist zones.