KALLAKURICHI: One person was killed and at least 18 others injured on Monday after a helium gas cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai, officials said to news agency ANI. The incident occurred when a helium cylinder being used to fill balloons burst at the festival venue. (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed condolences to the bereaved family. In a post on X, Edappadi K. Palaniswami shared, “I am deeply distressed to learn the tragic news that one person lost their life and several others were seriously injured after a helium gas cylinder used to fill balloons exploded at the river festival held in Manalurpet, Kallakurichi District. I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, and I pray to God that all those injured make a full recovery and return to their respective home soon.“ He also urged the state government to provide immediate and appropriate compensation to the family of the deceased and to all those injured in the accident.The festival, called ‘Aatru Thiruvizha’ in Tamil, which is often celebrated on the fifth day of the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ (Thai Poosam), in districts like Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi, marking the end of the Pongal harvest festival, draws a huge crowd.
