Nashik, April 21: At least 22 patients died after an oxygen tank leaked at Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik on Wednesday, an official said. As many as 171 patients were present in the hospital at the time of the incident India Today reported.

“The oxygen supply was stopped for half an hour due to the leak, because of which those on the ventilator lost their lives,” said Kailash Jadhav, Commissioner, Nasik Municipal Corporation.

“People died because the pressure reduced due to the [leak in] the oxygen tank which is provided by a private company. That company looks after the maintenance of this tank,” Nashik Collector Suraj Mandhare said.

“The leakage has been brought under control,” said Maharashtra Minister Rajesh Tope. Other patients are being shifted to other hospitals.

Meanwhile, Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded a detailed inquiry into the incident.

“What happened in Nashik is terrible. It’s being said that 11 people died which is very disturbing. I demand that the other patients be helped and shifted if needed. We demand a detailed inquiry,” Devendra Fadnavis was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.