Odisha: Patient Dies After Oxygen Cylinder Explodes in Ambulance in Mayurbhanj, Two Injured

A patient died and two people were injured after an oxygen cylinder exploded inside a private ambulance near Udala Sub-Divisional Hospital in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Thursday evening, October 8, police said. The incident triggered a fire that engulfed the ambulance, while the force of the explosion reportedly blew off the vehicle’s roof.

The deceased was identified as Sujosh Barik, 35, a resident of Kundabai village under Udala police station limits. He was being prepared for transfer to a hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment when the incident occurred, according to local media reports. CNG Cylinder Blast in Gujarat Video: Car’s Cylinder Explodes During Refuelling at Fuel Station, Nearby Vehicles Damaged.

Oxygen Cylinder Explosion at Udala Hospital

According to preliminary reports, the ambulance caught fire while oxygen was being administered to the patient. A suspected leak from the oxygen cylinder is believed to have triggered the fire, followed by the explosion. Family members and people present at the scene reportedly pulled the patient out of the burning ambulance. However, he sustained severe burn injuries and died shortly afterwards. The explosion was powerful enough to send the ambulance’s roof flying several metres away, according to reports.

Two People Injured, Firefighters Reach Spot

Two other people suffered injuries in the incident. They were reportedly injured while attempting to rescue the patient and in the aftermath of the blast. Firefighters reached the spot and brought the blaze under control. The explosion caused panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff in the vicinity.

Investigation Underway

Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the fire and the subsequent explosion. A suspected oxygen leak has been cited as a possible cause, but the exact sequence of events and the cause of the blast have not been conclusively established in the reports available so far. Maharashtra: Five Injured After Gas Leak Triggers Flare-up at IIT Bombay Hostel. 

The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of checking oxygen cylinders, valves and related equipment in ambulances, particularly during patient transfers. Further official details about the investigation and the condition of the injured are awaited.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 07:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).