A helium balloon cylinder explosion near Mysuru Palace's main entry gate on Thursday evening resulted in one fatality and injuries to five others. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM in front of the Jayamartanda gate of theAmba Vilas Palace, a popular tourist destination, as a flower show and musical event were being hosted as part of its winter festival.

The deceased has been identified as Salim (40), a balloon seller from Tofiya village, Kannauj district in Uttar Pradesh. Salim, who regularly sold balloons in front of the palace, was carrying a portable cylinder on his bicycle when it exploded. He died on the spot.

The injured include Lakshmi (45) from Bengaluru, Manjula Nanjangud (29), Kotresh Gutte (54) from Ranebennur, Shehnaz Shabbir (54) from Kolkata, and Ranjita (30). They were immediately rushed to KR Hospital in Mysuru for medical treatment. Initial reports indicated that Lakshmi was in critical condition.

The blast's impact was significant, with the sound being heard up to a kilometer away. The explosion occurred near the entrance of the Karnataka Exhibition Authority, an area bustling with people due to the Christmas vacation. The incident triggered panic, with people screaming and running in distress.

City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar confirmed one death and visited the site, while forensic experts gathered evidence. Police sources have ruled out foul play, suspecting the explosion was caused by the helium cylinder used to fill balloons. Sniffer dogs were also deployed to ensure the area's safety.

Authorities cordoned off the area immediately following the explosion. The main gate of the palace had been closed to visitors at the time of the accident, but tourists were still present inside the illuminated palace. Vendors selling various items, including popcorn and groundnuts, were also present in the busy area when the explosion occurred.

The police are currently investigating the incident. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.