Helium cylinder explosion in Cairo mall kills three

Three people perished and 17 were injured on Thursday evening when a helium cylinder exploded inside a gift shop located on the ground floor of Arabella Plaza Mall in New Cairo, Egypt. The incident triggered a fire, which civil defense teams successfully contained. The explosion also caused damage to the facades of several neighboring shops, according to the Interior Ministry.

Eight ambulances responded to the scene, with Health Ministry spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar reporting that 11 injured individuals were taken to New Cairo Specialized Hospital for emergency treatment and checks, while six others were transferred to nearby facilities. The ministry stated that the fire was limited and that the condition of the injured was being closely monitored.

Initial reports suggested that a lift either fell or collapsed within the mall, but the Interior Ministry later dismissed these claims. Egyptian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the circumstances and cause of the explosion. Helium is commonly utilized by party and gift shops to inflate balloons. Unlike other gases like propane or butane, helium is non-flammable.

However, due to its storage in cylinders under high pressure, the cylinders can become hazardous if damaged, exposed to excessive heat or pressure, or mishandled or improperly stored. It remains unclear whether any of these factors contributed to Thursday's explosion.