CHENNAI: A 50-year-old woman was killed and more than 10 others were seriously injured after a helium gas cylinder exploded during a river festival on the banks of the Thenpennai River near Manalurpet, close to Tirukoilur in Kallakurichi district, on Monday evening.
The incident occurred around 7 pm when one of the two helium gas cylinders used by a balloon vendor suddenly exploded with a loud blast, triggering panic among the devotees gathered at the venue, said a Daily Thanthi report.
People ran in all directions following the explosion, and the area resembled a battlefield, eyewitnesses said.
The deceased was identified as Kala (50), wife of Paramasivam from Bhavupattu village in Tiruvannamalai district. She was caught in the blast and died on the spot after her body was severely mutilated.
More than 10 people sustained grievous injuries in the accident. Among them were Tamilselvi (57), wife of Govindasamy from Manalurpet Pallichanthai; Indirani (47), wife of Selvam from Velaiyappakkam; and Ezhumalai (40), son of Ayyanar from Kulathur near Tiruvannamalai, who was working as a balloon vendor. Some victims reportedly suffered loss of limbs, and their cries for help left onlookers shocked.
The injured were rescued by the police and rushed to the Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Hospital sources said the condition of two injured persons is critical, while six others are being treated in the intensive care unit.
The river festival had been underway in a festive manner, with Theerthavari (holy bathing rituals) performed for several deities, including Lord Arunachaleswarar of Tiruvannamalai. Thousands of devotees from Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts had gathered to witness the event.
Following the incident, the accident site was sealed off and brought under police control for a thorough inspection. Manalurpet police have launched an investigation into the explosion.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case under four sections against balloon shop owner Ezhumalai in connection with the death caused by the helium cylinder explosion. The case includes charges related to acts endangering human life, and further investigation is underway.