State orders twin probes into Davangere hospital oxygen cylinder blast

The State Health Department has ordered two separate inquiries into the oxygen cylinder explosion inside the operation theatre of the Chigateri District Hospital in Davangere.

Health Minister U.T. Khader told The Hindu that he has directed officials to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.

“There were no casualties as surgeries for the day had not yet commenced in the operation theatre. Prima facie, the incident appears to have been caused by a short circuit. This serves as a wake-up call for us, and I have directed the Principal Secretary to conduct an audit of electrical systems in all hospitals run by the Health Department,” he said.

Describing the incident as serious, Mr. Khader said he had held discussions with senior officials of the Health Department and ordered the constitution of a high-level State inquiry committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the explosion.

In addition, a separate inquiry will be conducted at the district level under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner. 

Pointing out that he has asked both the probe teams to submit their reports within 15 days, the Minister said strict action would be taken in accordance with the rules after examining the findings of the inquiry reports.