In a shocking incident, at least 24 patients have lost their lives after an oxygen tanker leaked while being filled outside a hospital in Maharashtra on Tuesday. Nashik collector Suraj Mandhre informed ABP News that after the initial report of 11 deaths by FDA Minister Dr Rajendra Shingane, the death toll raised to 24.
The tragic incident happened outside Nashik's Zakir Hussain Hospital on Wednesday. Upon acknowledging the incident, several fire engines were rushed to the spot.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a >#WATCH</a> | 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. <a >pic.twitter.com/zsxnJscmBp</a></p>— ANI (@ANI) <a >April 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
News agency ANI has quoted Maharashtra Health Minister as saying, "Due to the walls leakage of the tanker in Nashik, there was massive Oxygen leakage. There must definitely have been an impact on the hospital it was going to but I'm yet to gather more information. We'll issue a press note after gathering more information."
FDA Minister Dr Rajendra Shingane confirmed the incident stating: "We've ordered an enquiry as well. Those who are responsible will not be spared."
Media reports have claimed that there are 700 patients admitted to the hospital, of which, several are in critical condition. Doctors are making efforts to save lives.
Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded that patients be shifted to other hospitals if needed and detailed enquiry be conducted in the incident.