An ambulance transporting a patient to Udala Hospital in Mayurbhanj district erupted when a leaking oxygen cylinder detonated, crushing the vehicle and killing the patient while injuring two others. The blast was so powerful that the ambulance's roof fell nearly 40 feet from the site, sending shards of metal and shattered glass through the corridor.
Firefighters rushed to the scene within minutes, battling the blaze that had engulfed the ambulance’s interior. By mid‑afternoon, the fire was under control, but the damage to the vehicle and surrounding infrastructure was extensive.
The district administration has ordered a probe into the incident, citing possible lapses in cylinder maintenance and emergency response protocols. A spokesperson for the Odisha Public Health Department said the investigation will also examine the ambulance’s compliance with national safety guidelines.
A family of the deceased, who had been waiting for treatment, was left stunned, describing the explosion as a “nightmare” that turned their day into a nightmare. Local residents reported that the sudden roar caused panic among patients, attendants, and staff, disrupting the hospital’s routine.
The investigation is expected to be completed within 30 days, after which the state health ministry will issue a report and, if necessary, impose penalties or mandate corrective actions. Hospital officials have pledged to upgrade their emergency equipment to prevent a recurrence.