In a heartbreaking turn of events, four people have been arrested in connection with the shocking death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who was killed in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at the Oxford Medical Center in Troy, Michigan. The devastating incident occurred on January 31, leaving the community in mourning and raising serious concerns about safety regulations in the hyperbaric treatment industry.
Authorities say Thomas was inside the chamber when it suddenly exploded, injuring his mother, who was in the room at the time. Hyperbaric chambers, which use high-pressure oxygen, are known to be highly combustible, but officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion.
On Monday morning, Troy Police arrested four individuals in connection with the case. While their names were not officially released, court records reveal that one of the suspects is Tami Peterson, the owner of the medical center. The suspects are scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
The medical center expressed shock over the charges, claiming that standard fire-related investigations had not yet been completed. However, the Cooper family’s lawyer, James Harrington, argues that the tragedy was the result of gross negligence, pointing out that the hyperbaric treatment industry in Michigan remains unregulated.
“This should never have happened,” Harrington stated. “The only way something like this occurs is through negligence.”
As the investigation continues, the Cooper family is preparing to take legal action to uncover the truth behind this devastating loss.
