Nashik: 22 patients die in Nashik hospital after oxygen leak from tanker

Nasik: After unfortunate incident of oxygen leakage at Nashik's Zakir Hussain Hospital, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a bid to avoid such incidents in future has asked the administration to maintain safe and continuous oxygen supply in all hospitals and strengthen the safety system.

Twenty two people died after an oxygen tank leaked at Nashik’s Dr Zakir Hussain NMC Hospital, Nashik Collector confirmed. The leakage accident happened when tankers were being filled. While operation is underway to control the situation, a video tweeted by ANI showed gaseous oxygen spreading across the area which was supposed to be used by the hospital. About 171 patients were on oxygen in the hospital.

Explaining the cause behind the deaths, Nashik collector Suraj Mandhre said, “The supply tank that was set up in this hospital started leaking due to cork damage after which the pressure decreased and those on invasive ventilator did not receive adequate oxygen on time. 22 people have died.”

“After nearly an hour, the same tank has been started. It is being used to supply oxygen to the patients now. However, the decrease in pressure, earlier, led to the incident,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Rajesh Tope said, “This is an unfortunate incident. I spoke to Nashik municipal commissioner who has informed me that the situation is under control now. I’ll be going to Nashik soon. Nashik Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has already gone there.” Among the 22 who lost their lives 11 were men and 11 were women, Tope said.