Baripada: A patient died and two others were critically injured after an ambulance erupted in flames and exploded on the premises of Udala sub-divisional hospital in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Thursday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Sujosh Barik, a resident of the Kundabai area under Udala police limits, who was suffering from a severe body infection.
According to sources, the vehicle had arrived to transfer Barik to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. He was placed inside the ambulance and oxygen was being administered when a sudden leak from the oxygen cylinder triggered a fire. The blaze quickly intensified, and the cylinder exploded with tremendous force. Although family members and local bystanders acted swiftly to pull Barik out of the burning vehicle during the initial flames, he succumbed shortly after. While initial reports indicated he suffered burn injuries, local accounts also suggest the immense shock and trauma from the loud explosion contributed to his death.
As the fire spread rapidly, a second powerful explosion occurred, ripping the roof off the ambulance and sending it flying nearly 40 feet into the air. Debris from the blast fell onto other patients nearby, critically injuring two people. The deafening blast created widespread panic, shaking the neighbouring market area and the local police station.
Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion to bring the flames under control and prevent further damage to surrounding hospital areas. Further details about the exact cause of circumstances of the oxygen cylinder leak and subsequent explosions are awaited.