GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with a deadly explosion at a hyperbaric chamber facility in Troy, Michigan, that killed a 5-year-old boy and injured his mother.
The incident occurred on January 31 at the Oxford Center, a medical facility specializing in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves using pressurized chambers to increase oxygen levels in the body to treat a variety of medical conditions. The explosion tragically claimed the life of Thomas Cooper, a young boy, and left his mother with injuries. The mother’s condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Police arrested the four individuals on Monday, with the suspects expected to be arraigned on Tuesday, according to local news reports. While the exact charges have not been released, authorities have stated that the arrests are linked to the explosion.
The Oxford Center, which has been in operation since 2008, has been temporarily closed as investigations continue. The local fire department confirmed that the facility would remain shut “until further notice” while authorities work to determine the cause of the explosion.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is commonly used to treat a range of medical conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and chronic wounds. The treatment involves the use of a hyperbaric chamber, which increases atmospheric pressure and delivers oxygen in a controlled environment. While generally considered safe when used properly, the chambers must adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent accidents.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety standards at the Oxford Center and other facilities using hyperbaric chambers. Investigators are working to determine whether negligence or equipment failure played a role in the explosion.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in shock over the loss of a young life and the injuries sustained by the boy’s mother. The incident highlights the potential dangers of medical treatments that, while beneficial, require careful handling and oversight.
