Fire at Davangere District Hospital after oxygen cylinder explosion

The incident occurred at 8:45 AM in the surgical unit located on the second floor, where orthopaedic, eye, and ENT surgeries are performed. Around 8 AM, while the medical staff was preparing the operation theatre, a technical fault was detected in a 12-kg oxygen cylinder.

According to Dr Shilpashree, who was present during the incident, “When we were getting ready for surgery, a technical problem was detected. Everyone left the room. As soon as the accident occurred, the oxygen supply was stopped, and power was cut. If patients had already been given anaesthesia, the situation could have turned uncontrollable”.

A cylinder explosion caused thick smoke to billow from the OT, damaging adjacent rooms and destroying precision medical equipment worth crores of rupees.

Meanwhile, patients and hospital staff present nearby immediately rushed outside to save their lives.

No casualties were reported, as the hospital staff promptly responded. Additionally, the fire and emergency service officials immediately arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control.

Only seven to eight staff members were present at the time of the incident, and all were safely evacuated. However, medical equipment worth crores of rupees was destroyed by fire.

According to the TNIE report, Health Minister UT Khader announced in Bengaluru that a high-ranking investigation team has been constituted to conduct a thorough probe in consultation with state-level officials.

Additionally, a separate inquiry will be initiated at the local level under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner (DC). Khader said, Once both reports are received, the department will examine them and take appropriate action in accordance with the rules.

Currently, the exact cause is being investigated.