A fire erupted in the operation theatre of Davangere General Hospital in Karnataka on Tuesday morning after an oxygen cylinder exploded, officials confirmed. The incident occurred around 8:45 am when hospital staff were conducting routine checks on equipment. No casualties were reported, and the fire was brought under control quickly.
Details of the Incident
According to hospital sources, the explosion happened in the operation theatre on the ground floor. Staff members present at the time evacuated the area immediately, and fire tenders were called to the spot. The fire was contained within 30 minutes, preventing any spread to other parts of the hospital.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, "We are relieved that there were no patients or staff injured. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future."
Response and Investigation
District authorities have launched a probe into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest a possible leakage in the oxygen cylinder or a malfunction in the equipment being tested. The operation theatre has been sealed for investigation, and surgeries scheduled for the day were postponed or shifted to other facilities.
Davangere General Hospital Superintendent Dr. M. R. Patil said, "Our team acted swiftly to ensure safety. The fire did not affect other wards, and patients were moved to safe areas as a precaution. We are cooperating with the investigation."
Safety Measures and Impact
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in government hospitals. The state health department has directed all hospitals to conduct immediate safety audits of oxygen cylinders and other medical gas equipment. The hospital will resume normal operations after the investigation concludes and safety checks are completed.
