Belthangady: Helium gas explosion guts craft store, two workers escape unhurt
Belthangady: A shop in Belthangady town was completely gutted in a fire accident suspected to have been triggered by a helium gas leak on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am on February 14 at KAF Creative Art & Craft Store, owned by Muhammad Samil, located on the first floor of Heraje Complex in the Santekatte area.
According to reports, a helium gas leak occurred while balloons were being filled for an event. The leak allegedly led to an explosion, which sparked a fire that quickly spread across the shop.
Two workers were present inside the store at the time of the incident. They immediately ran out of the premises and escaped without injuries.
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On receiving information, fire brigade rushed to the spot and launched an operation to douse the flames with the help of local residents. The fire also caused damage to a few nearby shops. However, it is learnt that no major disaster occurred due to the gas leak.
Hundreds of people gathered near the spot to witness the incident, leading to traffic disruption for some time. Belthangady police and traffic police reached the location and brought the situation under control, ensuring smooth movement of vehicles.
Meanwhile, a shopkeeper who was watching the fire reportedly fainted and was shifted to a hospital by locals for treatment.
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Air India Express introduces late-night Bengaluru–Mangaluru service
International services at M’luru cancelled on March 7
Mangaluru: Air India Express will introduce a late-night daily flight service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Bengaluru sector starting March 10, 2026.
According to the sources, flight IX 5971 will depart from Bengaluru at 9.25 pm and arrive in Mangaluru at 10.40 pm. The return flight, IX 5972, will depart from Mangaluru at 11.10 pm and reach Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, at 12.20 am.
The additional service will operate daily and will remain in effect until March 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, Air India Express has cancelled all its scheduled international flights from Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) on March 7 due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru sector already has multiple daily services. Apart from Air India Express, IndiGo also operates flights on this route.
