Twenty-two COVID-19 patients died today in Nashik, Maharashtra, after an oxygen tanker ruptured outside a hospital, causing a 30-minute interruption inpatient supply.
“According to current information, 22 people have died at the Zakir Hussain municipal hospital due to a lack of oxygen,” district collector Suraj Mandhare told the media.
Many of the victims were on ventilators and needed continuous oxygen. The Zakir Hussain Hospital is a Covid-accredited hospital. About 150 patients were oxygen-dependent or required the use of ventilators.
Gas was seen pouring from the truck outside the hospital, with thick white fumes quickly filling the area.
Rajesh Tope, the Maharashtra Health Minister, vowed that the government would look into the matter and launch a comprehensive investigation.
“According to the details we have, patients on ventilators at the Nashik hospital have died. The leak was discovered in the oxygen tank that was providing these patients with oxygen. The hospital’s patients may have died as a result of the interruption in supply “Mr. Tope explained.
“After the investigation is over, we will make a release,” he said.
When the oxygen supply was cut off, patients and their families were panicked. Families struggling to rescue the victims as they gasped for air were seen in heartbreaking images.
To stop the leak, fire engines were rushed to the scene. Water was sprayed to contain the spill, and the firefighting crew wore safety clothing as well.
The victims’ families will be paid Rs 5 lakh each, according to a spokesperson for Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s office.
According to the official, a high-level investigation into the matter will be opened.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a tweet expressing his condolences to the victims’ families.
The disaster that occurred at a hospital in Nashik as a result of an oxygen tank leak is heartbreaking. I’m saddened by the number of people who have died as a result of it. “In this sad hour, condolences to the bereaved families,” he tweeted.
Aaditya Thackeray, a state minister, described the incident as “unfortunate” and pledged an investigation.
“The Zakir Hussain Hospital death is deeply tragic. All of these families’ sorrow is shared with us all. Both authorities, including Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, are in contact with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He tweeted in Marathi, “This tragic event will be extensively investigated.”
Majeed Memon, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), tweeted that those responsible for the leak must be disciplined.
“Leakage of Oxygen from a tanker in Nasik has caused loss of several liters of oxygen and panic in the Hospital. Those responsible for negligence must be identified and punished,” Mr. Memon tweeted.
