22 COVID Patients Die after Oxygen Tank Leaks in Nashik Hospital: Maharashtra

An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Wednesday. At least 22 patients have died die due to low oxygen supply following leakage, said district collector Suraj Mandhare.

According to the current information, 22 people have died due to the interrupted supply of oxygen at the Zakir Hussain municipal hospital. The patients were on ventilators as well as on oxygen supply, which got interrupted after the leakage in the oxygen supply tank," he told reporters.

He said the municipal corporation immediately shifted the cylinders from the other facilities where oxygen demand was not high.

Earlier, the FDA Minister Dr. Rajendra Shingane informed that at least 11 patients being treated in a hospital run by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) for the COVID-19 patients have died due to the incident.

It's an unfortunate incident. As per preliminary info, we've learned that 11 people died. We're trying to get a detailed report. We've ordered an inquiry as well. Those who are responsible will not be spared," said FDA Minister Dr. Rajendra Shingane on the Nashik Oxygen tanker leak incident, the news reported.

The officials were present at the spot and an operation to contain the leak is



underway.

State health minister Rajesh Tope told reporters, "According to the information available with us, 11 patients who were on ventilators at the hospital in Nashik have died. The leakage was spotted at the oxygen tank which was supplying oxygen to these patients. The interrupted supply could be linked to the deaths of the 11 patients in the hospital."

He also said that the government will issue a press note after gathering more information and promised a probe into the matter.

Some relatives of the deceased COVID-19 patients have alleged that the "lowered supply of oxygen" claimed the lives of their kin.

Former Maharashtra CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also expressed condolences for the dead. He said, "What happened in Nashik is terrible. It's being said that 11 people died which is very disturbing. I demand that the other patients be helped & shifted if needed. We demand a detailed inquiry."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the loss of life in the Nashik oxygen tanker leak incident. "Distressed to hear the news of the accident. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this incident," he said.

Several states are facing a shortage of medical oxygen, especially Maharashtra being a coronavirus worst-hit state.