A devastating incident occurred early Friday morning when a five-year-old boy tragically lost his life after an explosion inside a hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center in Troy, a northern suburb of Detroit.
The child was receiving oxygen therapy at the time, which is commonly used to treat a variety of health issues.
Explosion Causes Instant Fatality and Fire
The explosion, which happened around 8 a.m., not only claimed the life of the boy but also ignited a fire in the facility.
The Oakland County Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving just minutes after the 911 call.
Unfortunately, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
His mother, who was nearby during the blast, also sustained injuries from the explosion.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Thankfully, the fire was quickly contained, and the rest of the facility suffered no significant damage.
However, the Oxford Center, which has been operating since 2008, has been closed indefinitely for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.
While the specific condition the boy was being treated for remains unclear, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is commonly used for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcers, and decompression sickness.
The treatment works by increasing air pressure inside a chamber, allowing the body to absorb more oxygen, which helps heal damaged tissue and fight infections.
Concerns Over Safety and Accreditation
Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered safe, the FDA has warned about the risks associated with chambers that have not been reviewed or accredited.
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society provides accreditation to HBOT facilities, but there are currently only two accredited locations in Michigan, neither of which are in Troy.
The Oxford Center had been offering this therapy for 15 years, but its status and safety practices are now under scrutiny.
Statement from Oxford Center
In response to the tragedy, the Oxford Center released a statement expressing their deep sorrow and commitment to safety.
“This is an exceptionally difficult day for all of us,” the statement read.
“The safety and wellbeing of the children we serve is our highest priority.”
The center expressed that they were fully cooperating with authorities to understand how such a tragic event could occur.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, and the Oxford Center has pledged to participate fully in the process.
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