Maharashtra / Oxygen tanker leaks at hospital in Maharashtra's Nashik; 11 reported dead

Nashik: An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Wednesday.

On a follow-up, 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 learnt that 11 people died. We're trying to get a detailed report. We've ordered an enquiry as well. Those who are responsible will not be spared," said FDA Minister Dr Rajendra Shingane on Nashik Oxygen tanker leak incident, reported news agency ANI.

#WATCH | An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra. Officials are present at the spot, operation to contain the leak is underway. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/zsxnJscmBp

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2021

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

State health minister Rajesh Tope told reporters, "As per 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.

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

Meanwhile, 58,924 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, according to the state health ministry. As many as 52,412 people recovered in the said period and 351 died. The total case tally reached 38,98,262 while the death toll reached 60,824.