At least 22 COVID-19 patients succumbed due to lack of oxygen after an oxygen tanker leaked outside a hospital.
The incident has been reported from Dr Zakir Hussain Municipal Hospital in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on Wednesday afternoon.
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The patients died after oxygen supply had to be halted for around 30 minutes following the leak in the tanker.
Although the leakage was fixed with the help of fire department, condition of patients on oxygen support in the meantime deteriorated and lost the battle against COVID-19.
“As per the current information, 22 people have died due to the interrupted supply of oxygen at the Dr Zakir Hussain Municipal Hospital. The patients were on ventilators as well as on oxygen supply,” informed Nashik district collector Suraj Mandhare.
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Meanwhile, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that those responsible for the incident “will be held accountable”.
Panic struck the patients and their family members as the oxygen supply was stopped. Heart wrenching visuals show families trying to help the patients as they gasp for breath.
Following the leak of oxygen and stoppage of oxygen supply, over 30 patients in critical condition have been shifted to other hospitals.
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed grief on the loss of lives due to the incident.
“The news of patients’ death at Nashik’s Zakhir Hussain Hospital is extremely tragic. My heartfelt condolences to the aggrieved families. I appeal to State Government and party workers to provide all possible assistance,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Meanwhile, as per latest reports, relatives of those who died in Nashik oxygen tanker leak will be compensated with Rs 5 lakh each.
Moreover, a high level probe into the incident has also been ordered by the Chief Minister’s Office.