Oxygen Cylinder Explosion at Davanagere District Hospital Operation Theatre; Major Tragedy Averted, State Orders Dual Probe
Bengaluru/Davanagere, June 30: A major tragedy was averted after an oxygen cylinder exploded inside the Operation Theatre (OT) of Chigateri District Hospital in Davanagere on Tuesday, triggering a massive fire that severely damaged the surgical facility. Prompt action by the Fire and Emergency Services personnel prevented the blaze from spreading to other oxygen cylinders and nearby sections of the hospital.
According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred inside the operation theatre while preparations were underway for scheduled surgeries. Medical staff immediately noticed the fire and rushed out of the OT, while patients and their attendants were safely evacuated from the area.
Firefighters reached the hospital without delay and entered the operation theatre by breaking the glass windows to gain access. They quickly brought the fire under control and removed additional oxygen cylinders stored inside the facility, preventing further explosions that could have resulted in a much larger disaster.
Hospital sources said nine surgeries had been scheduled at the operation theatre, and anaesthesia preparations were in progress when the incident occurred. Fortunately, no patients were inside the OT at the time of the explosion, and no casualties or injuries to patients have been reported.
An anaesthetist reportedly experienced minor breathing discomfort due to smoke inhalation during the incident.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the operation theatre. Surgical tables, oxygen pipelines, medical equipment, saline stocks and other critical infrastructure were destroyed in the fire. Authorities estimate that equipment worth several lakhs of rupees has been damaged.
Officials also noted that the incident occurred in an old hospital building, which had already been identified for replacement under a proposed redevelopment plan.
State Orders High-Level Investigation
Taking serious note of the incident, Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.
In an official statement, the Health Department said the Minister had discussed the matter with senior state-level officials and ordered the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee to conduct a detailed investigation.
In addition, a separate inquiry under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Davanagere district has also been ordered.
The department said both inquiry reports will be examined before further action is initiated in accordance with the law and departmental procedures.
Authorities are investigating whether technical failure, equipment malfunction or operational negligence led to the oxygen cylinder explosion. The exact cause of the incident will be determined after the completion of the investigations.
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Atul Chaturvedi