Overview
- The vendor died when a portable cylinder on his bicycle exploded near the Jayamartanda Gate at about 8 p.m. during evening crowds.
- Forensic Laboratory teams confirmed the explosion involved a helium cylinder used to inflate balloons as police cordoned off the site.
- Four injured visitors—Lakshmi of Bengaluru, Manjula of Nanjangud, Kotreshi of Ranebennur, and Shahina of Kolkata—were admitted to K.R. Hospital.
- The blast occurred during Christmas illuminations and a winter festival that had drawn heavy footfall to the palace complex.
- Police Commissioner Seema Latkar confirmed one fatality after early conflicting tallies, with a probe underway into the cause and safety practices.