5-year-old child killed in a hyperbaric chamber explosion

By Rachel Greco

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5-year-old child killed in a hyperbaric chamber explosion

A 5-year-old boy died and his mother was injured Friday when a hyperbaric chamber exploded at a medical facility in Troy, Michigan.

According to Lt. Keith Young of the Detroit Fire Department, the chamber contained 100% oxygen and was therefore extremely flammable.

Officers and firefighters responded to the explosion just before 8 a.m.

“Upon arrival, the first responding units unfortunately discovered a 5-year-old boy deceased on the scene,” Lt. Ben Hancock of the Troy Police Department said in a press conference.

The boy’s mother was standing next to the chamber when it exploded, and she suffered arm injuries, according to officials. A few medical personnel were also present, but were not seriously injured.

It is unclear what type of treatment the boy was receiving at the time.

The explosion was contained in the chamber, and firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, according to reports.

“I’ve been with the department for 10 years, and we’ve never responded to anything like this,” says Young.

The cause of the explosion is still being investigated, and multiple state agencies are examining the facility’s safety regulations. In the meantime, the medical center is closed.

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Rachel Greco

Rachel Greco covers life in US County, including the communities of Grand Ledge, Delta Township, Charlotte and US Rapids. But her beat extends to local government, local school districts and community events in communities that surround Lansing. Her goal is to tell compelling stories about the area that matter to local readers.

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