Technician killed, four injured in cylinder blast on SJ Suryah’s ‘Killer’ film set in Chennai

CHENNAI: A 25-year-old stunt technician died and four others were injured after a gas cylinder exploded during the shooting of actor-director SJ Suryah's upcoming film, ‘Killer’, early Wednesday at the Binny Mills complex in Perambur.

The Otteri police identified the deceased as Madhan of Maduravoyal. The injured, R Dinakaran (24) of Nerkundram, P Surya (23) of Maduravoyal, Sakthivel (37) of Kundrathur, and Rambande (34) of Uttar Pradesh, were moved to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for treatment.

The film marks Suryah's return to direction after a long gap, with the shoot under way at the location for the past few days. A bomb explosion sequence was being prepared when the accident occurred.

According to the police, stunt coordinators were transferring carbon dioxide from a large cylinder to a smaller one around dawn to set up the scene. The cylinder suddenly exploded, seriously injuring five crew members on site.

They were rushed to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where Madhan succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission. The other four are undergoing treatment for injuries to their heads and hands.

The Otteri police reached the spot and launched an investigation. A case has been registered, and the officials are questioning witnesses to determine the exact cause of the blast. The police are also verifying whether adequate safety protocols were followed while handling the cylinders.