A major fire broke out at Chigateri District Government Hospital in Davangere after a nitrous oxide and oxygen cylinder exploded inside an anaesthesia workstation in the operation theatre. Two OTs were damaged, but hospital staff safely evacuated everyone. No casualties were reported.
A major tragedy was narrowly averted at the well-known Chigateri District Government Hospital in Davangere on Tuesday morning after an explosion inside an anaesthesia workstation triggered a massive fire in the operation theatre complex. The blaze, reportedly caused by the explosion of a oxygen cylinder, destroyed two operation theatres and damaged advanced medical equipment worth crores of rupees. Thanks to the swift response and presence of mind of the hospital staff, everyone inside the affected area was evacuated safely, and no casualties were reported.
Explosion Occurs During Morning Duty
The incident took place at around 8.30 am, while doctors, nurses and other hospital staff were carrying out their routine duties in Operation Theatres 5 and 6.
According to preliminary information, a spark was noticed inside an anaesthesia workstation. Within moments, the nitrous oxide cylinder connected to the workstation exploded with a loud blast, triggering a fire.
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An anaesthesia workstation is typically equipped with two gas cylinders, one containing nitrous oxide and the other oxygen. The highly combustible gas fuelled the fire, allowing the flames to spread rapidly through the operation theatre.
Hospital Staff Prevent Major Tragedy
More than ten medical staff members were inside the operation theatre complex when the explosion occurred.
They immediately evacuated everyone from the affected area. Members of the hospital's D-Group staff risked their own safety to rescue colleagues who had become trapped inside the operation theatre.
A senior nurse later became emotional while recounting the courage and dedication displayed by the D-Group staff during the rescue operation.
Panic Grips Hospital After Loud Blast
The loud explosion triggered panic among patients and their attendants across the hospital.
Patients admitted to wards adjacent to the surgery block rushed downstairs in fear, while several others who were unable to move on their own were evacuated on stretchers.
Doctors and senior hospital officials quickly brought the situation under control, reassured patients and their families, and safely shifted them back to their respective wards.
Operation Theatres and Equipment Destroyed
The intensity of the fire caused extensive damage to Operation Theatres 5 and 6, destroying operation tables, advanced medical equipment and other hospital infrastructure worth crores of rupees.
The surgery block was engulfed in thick black smoke following the explosion. Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the hospital and, after extensive efforts, brought the blaze under control before clearing the smoke from the operation theatre complex.
Deputy Commissioner Visits Hospital
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Davangere Deputy Commissioner GM Gangadharaswamy visited the hospital to inspect the affected area.
Speaking to the media, he said, "An explosion occurred in the anaesthesia workstation, and a significant amount of equipment has been damaged. Fortunately, due to the quick response of the hospital staff, no lives were lost. I have instructed the District Surgeon and the District Health Officer to remain at the hospital and monitor the situation. Since the operation theatre is an essential facility, a joint inspection will be conducted by the Electrical Inspector and Fire Department officials. We expect the repairs to be completed within a week. Prima facie, the incident appears to have been caused by a technical fault."
Hospital Orders Internal Inquiry
District Surgeon Dr MB Nagendrappa said the hospital has ordered a detailed internal inquiry to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
He added that the situation is fully under control and that all other departments of the hospital are functioning normally. The findings of the inquiry are expected to help determine the precise cause of the explosion and the subsequent fire.
