GAZIANTEP, Turkey

At least eight patients were killed on Saturday when an oxygen machine caused fire in a private hospital in the 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 deadly incident.

*Writing by Burak Bir

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