Maharashtra: 22 suspected COVID-19 patients feared dead from oxygen leak at civic hospital

The incident occurred today at noon and has jeopardised the lives of patients surviving on oxygen.

"While refilling, a leakage occurred in the oxygen supply tank in a hospital which resulted a sudden major fall in the oxygen pressure. 22 patients, who were undergoing treatments on ventilation and on oxygen support, died due to the interruption in the oxygen supply," Suraj Mandhare, District Collector, Nashik said.

Presently, there are 150 patients admitted at the Hospital.

Frantic attempts are underway to close the leakage.

Meanwhile, Nashik civic chief Kailash Jadhav has reached the spot and ordered a probe into the fatal leak. Top police officials have also rushed to the scene.

The kin of the patients also lined up outside the hospital to know the condition of their near and dear ones.

Reacting to the development, Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted: "The tragedy at a hospital in Nashik because of oxygen tank leakage is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. Condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted: "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 Govt and party workers to provide all possible assistance."

(With UNI inputs)