At least eight people have been killed after an oxygen machine caused a fire in a private hospital in Turkey’s southeastern Gaziantep province, the hospital confirmed.
The incident took place in the COVID-19 intensive care unit in the Sanko University Hospital where a fire was caused by a high-flow oxygen therapy machine used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, according to a statement by the university.
After the explosion, 14 other patients receiving COVID-19 treatment in the unit were referred to various hospitals.
Police and fire service teams were dispatched to the scene.
An investigation has been launched regarding the incident.
Seven patients died on the scene and one died on way to another hospital. The victims were aged between 65-85.
Extending his condolences over the incident on Twitter, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin wished a speedy recovery to the injured people.
He said necessary measures were being taken on the scene by concerned authorities.
