Helium Gas Cylinder Explosion at Kallakurichi Festival Causes One Death, Multiple Injuries

A helium gas cylinder exploded during the annual Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, injuring at least 12 people and causing one confirmed death, a 50-year-old woman named Kala. The explosion occurred around 7:30 p.m. inside a balloon shop. Several injured were hospitalized, with some in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which took place amid large festival crowds marking the end of Pongal celebrations.