A young child tragically lost his life in a fire incident while receiving treatment for ADHD in an oxygen chamber. Thomas Cooper, a five-year-old, was at a facility for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to address his ADHD and sleep apnea when the chamber exploded on January 31. The family has initiated legal action seeking £75 million in damages against the facility and the equipment manufacturer.
During a news conference, Attorney General Dana Nessel revealed that a spark led to a fire that quickly engulfed the chamber, resulting in Thomas’s fatal injuries. The family’s attorney highlighted the lack of safety features in the chamber, describing it as a hazardous environment. The incident occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan.
Hyperbaric chambers, which deliver pure oxygen under pressure, are commonly used for various medical conditions approved by the FDA, though they can be highly flammable due to the oxygen concentration. The chambers were not authorized for treating Thomas’s specific conditions.
In response to the explosion, several individuals associated with the medical facility, including the CEO and safety manager, faced charges related to the incident. The defendants, while maintaining their innocence, are cooperating with the investigations. The facility expressed deep regret over the tragedy and pledged to support inquiries into the cause of the accident.
Thomas’s family is seeking support through a fundraising campaign to aid in their pursuit of justice. For those interested in contributing, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-thomas-cooper-family-support.
