Mumbai, October 16: On Sunday evening, a helium cylinder explosion in Latur's Tavraja area in Maharashtra killed one man and wounded 11 children. The incident caused widespread alarm in the highly populated neighbourhood. Not wanting to take any chances, police officers went out on the streets and asked people not to believe any rumours.

According to preliminary reports, a man selling helium-filled balloons died, and 11 children were injured. Superintendent of Police Somay Munde informed TOI that two youngsters are suspected to be critically injured. Maharashtra Cylinder Blast Video: Fire Breaks Out in Pimpri Chinchwad Following Multiple LPG Cylinder Explosion.

According to Munde, as the balloon salesman arrived at the community, several children rushed out and clustered around him. The gas cylinder that the man was riding on his two-wheeler burst. The explosion hurt the man seriously and entirely destroyed his two-wheeler. Children in his immediate vicinity were also injured to differing degrees.

Some locals rushed the injured to a nearby government medical college and hospital. The balloon seller, whose name has yet to be determined, was declared 'brought dead' by doctors in the hospital. According to Vivekananda police, forensics and ballistic specialists are being sent in to investigate the circumstances behind the helium cylinder explosion. Uttar Pradesh Cylinder Blast: Three Killed, Including Tow Children in Gas Cylinder Explosion in Jalaun.

When word of the incident spread, several locals hurried to the hospital where the children were being treated. Police stated that they are in the process of filing a FIR. We have begun our inquiry and are eager to discover the source of this helium gas. According to our understanding, it cannot be sold to anybody without a permit from the government, said a senior police official.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2023 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).