One killed as cylinder explodes at BSP function

SHAHJAHANPUR - A man was killed while four others were injured as a gas cylinder exploded at a function organised to celebrate birthday of Chief Minister Mayawati in this Uttar Pradesh district Saturday, police said.

Rakesh Kumar, who was providing gas-filled balloons for decoration of the venue - the Ram Leela Maidan in Sadar Bazar area of the city, died in the explosion while four others were injured in the accident and taken to hospital.

“Rakesh was a balloon vendor and was asked to provide gas-filled balloons for the function that was organised by activists of the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party),” district police chief Akhilesh Kumar told reporters.

“All the injured are being treated at a hospital and they all are out of danger,” he added.

Shahjahanpur is about 170 km from Lucknow.

Leaders and workers of the ruling BSP organised several programmes across the state to celebrate the birthday of their leader Mayawati, who turned 55 Saturday.