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Oxygen Cylinder Explodes in Ambulance, Patient Dies
9 Oct
Summary
- An oxygen cylinder exploded in an ambulance, killing a 35-year-old patient.
- The blast occurred while the patient was being transferred for critical treatment.
- The powerful explosion destroyed the ambulance roof and injured two rescuers.
Tragedy struck outside Udala Sub-Divisional Hospital in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district on Thursday, October 7, 2026, when an oxygen cylinder exploded inside an ambulance. The blast resulted in the death of 35-year-old Sujosh Barik, who was being transferred to a Bhubaneswar hospital for treatment of a severe blood infection.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred as the ambulance driver opened the oxygen cylinder's valve. A suspected leak ignited, leading to a fire that rapidly intensified and culminated in the explosion. The forceful blast destroyed the ambulance's roof, and firefighters were subsequently called to control the blaze.
Family members managed to extract Mr. Barik from the burning vehicle, but he succumbed to severe burn injuries shortly after. Two other individuals sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue the patient. Police have launched an investigation into the incident involving the privately hired ambulance.
