Hubballi: Experts Highlight Grim Prognosis for Blast Victims at KMCRI

Hubballi: Nine Ayyappa Swamy devotees who suffered severe burn injuries in an LPG cylinder blast remain in critical condition, according to KMCRI Director Dr. S.F. Kammar. While their current condition is stable, their prognosis is grim, and the hospital’s medical team is making every effort to save their lives.

Addressing the media during an evening press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Kammar, accompanied by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Smitha Shegu and KMCRI Medical Superintendent Dr. Ishwar Hasabi, assured that the hospital is providing the best possible treatment in adherence to standard medical protocols. “The situation is critical, and it is challenging to predict their chances of survival. Among the nine patients, a 12-year-old boy, Vinayak, is in relatively better condition. He has been shifted to the burns unit for care,” Dr. Kammar stated.

Dr. Smitha Shegu, Head of the Burns Department at Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute, highlighted the severity of the injuries, noting that all the victims sustained over 70% burns, classified as third-degree burns. Additionally, they suffered inhalation injuries, which further complicate their recovery. “The chances of survival are very bleak,” Dr. Shegu remarked.

She commended the KMCRI medical team for their adherence to treatment protocols and found no lapses in the care provided.

Supporting efforts, Dr. K.T. Ramesh, a plastic surgeon from Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru, and Dr. M. Shankarappa, a professor of plastic surgery from the same institution, visited KMCRI to provide guidance on patient care.

Dr SY Mulkipatil, Dr Ravindra Yaligar, and others were present.