Oxygen cylinder inside ambulance explodes in Odisha, 2 sustain critical injuries

An oxygen cylinder exploded inside an ambulance on the Titilagarh Sub-Divisional hospital premises in Odisha’s Bolangir district on Friday when a woman along with her newborn twins was being shifted to another hospital for treatment.

Fortunately, the woman, along with her newborn twins, narrowly escaped the blast. However, two of her relatives sustained severe injuries. The critically injured have been admitted to the Titilagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment, sources said.

Sources said that Rushabh Jani, a resident of Manichera, had admitted his wife to Titilagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital. However, he had to shift her to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir for further treatment as her health condition deteriorated.

In the meantime, when they were about to board the ambulance, the cylinder exploded leaving two injured. 

What Victims’ Relatives Say

“Father of the child and other relatives sustained burn injuries as the oxygen cylinder exploded. Fortunately, my aunt and her newborn twins escape unhurt. The condition of the injured is stated to be stable,” said Saroj Jani, a relative of the victims.

How Did The Cylinder Explode?

Hospital authorities stated that the explosion happened while connecting the oxygen cylinder. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blast.