- By Raju Kumar
- Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tamil Nadu Blast: One person was killed and at least 18 were injured after a helium cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai in the Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu. District Collector of Tiruvannamalai, K Tharpagaraj, on Tuesday, said the injured people have been taken to a nearby hospital.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | One dead and at least 18 injured after a helium cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai in the Kallakurichi district: District Collector of Tiruvannamalai, K. Tharpagaraj
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2026
(Visuals from the spot) pic.twitter.com/fVufIa2cSc
"One dead and at least 18 injured after a helium cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai in the Kallakurichi district," Tharpagaraj said.
Former Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed his condolences to the family members of the victim.
"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 said.
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"I also urge the state government to immediately provide appropriate compensation to the family of the deceased and to all those who were injured in the river festival accident," the former CM further stated.
10 People Injured In Road Accident
In another incident, 10 people were injured in Kallakurichi after A lorry overturned on Chennai–Trichy National Highway (NH-45), following which, three luxury buses collided.
(With agencies inputs)
