Helium balloons explode in front of Karnataka’s Suttur Mutt, injures 4 people

At least four persons, including Suttur Mutt seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami and MLC Marithibbegowda, were injured after a bunch of nitrogen balloons burst over their head on Tuesday afternoon. The baboons, which were part of the decorations at the venue, caused a blast after the flames of sports torch accidentally touched them.

#WATCH Balloons catch fire at Suttur Mutt in Mysuru, Karnataka. Three people sustained minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/v50CDwMT3K

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

The accident occurred during the inaugural ceremony of a wrestling tournament organised at Suttur. Suttur is located on the banks of river Kapila in Nanjangud taluk in Mysuru. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Suttur and are currently under observation.

Suttur Mutt is a powerful Mutt in the region as it wields tremendous influence over the Lingayat-Veerashaiva community. An eye-witness told news agency PTI that prior to releasing the balloons, a torch was brought by some sportsmen from Mysuru to the wrestling arena and the flames came in contact with the balloons which burst.