Nagpur: An 84-year-old woman who was on oxygen support died after suffering severe burn injuries when an oxygen cylinder caught fire and exploded while she was asleep at her daughter’s residence in Wathoda on Thursday afternoon.The victim, Narmadabai Dhande, a resident of Darshan Colony in New Nandanvan, had been staying at the Aradhana Nagar home of her daughter, Varsha Chaudhary (50), for the last few days.According to police, Narmadabai had recently been discharged from hospital after prolonged treatment and had been advised oxygen support at home. She was resting with the oxygen supply switched on when a fire broke out. The blaze subsequently triggered an explosion in the oxygen cylinder, leaving her with extensive burns.Investigators said the elderly woman sustained burns over 60-70% of her body, including her chest, abdomen, back, limbs and other parts of the body. Family members rushed her to Govt Medical College and Hospital. She succumbed to her injuries at 9.15am on Friday.Wathoda police have registered an accidental death case under sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita based on the complaint lodged by family members.Police have launched an inquiry to determine how the fire started and what caused the oxygen supply to ignite. Statements of relatives and neighbours have been recorded, while the body has been sent for postmortem examination.Preliminary investigations indicate that the oxygen cylinder may have developed a leak. Investigators are examining whether the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit, a spark, an open flame or another household source of ignition. They are also looking into whether the cylinder and its fittings had undergone regular safety checks.Senior inspector Pramod Pore of Wathoda police station said the exact sequence of events would become clearer after the completion of the investigation and receipt of the postmortem report.“At present, the case remains one of accidental death. We are examining all possible causes, including an oxygen leak and the source of ignition,” he said.The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict safety measures while using medical oxygen cylinders at home. Experts advise regular inspection of cylinders and fittings for leaks and keeping oxygen equipment away from heat sources and electrical appliances.
