In an unexpected turn of events, at least one person was killed and 18 others injured in a helium cylinder explosion in the Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu. This explosion occurred during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai on Monday, January 19, 2026.
According to the district collector of Tiruvannamalai, K Tharpagaraj, "One dead and at least 18 injured after a helium cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai in the Kallakurichi district." AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami conveyed his condolences following the helium gas cylinder explosion at the Manalurpet river festival in Kallakurichi District, which resulted in one fatality and several serious injuries.
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In a post on X, he expressed his deep distress and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the victim's family, while also praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Palaniswami urged the state government to promptly provide adequate compensation to the deceased's family and all those injured in the accident.