Major Disaster stuck in BRD medical college, the largest government hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district, as 30 child deaths in 48 hours were reported and this is due to the fact a private firm contracted to supply oxygen cylinders allegedly withdrew over non-payment of outstanding dues to the tune of Rs 70 lakh.

The hospital is in chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s constituency and he took stock of arrangements at encephalitis wards during his recent two-day visit to Gorakhpur. Most deaths were reported from the neonatal and encephalitis wards.

State health minister Siddharthnath Singh dismissed reports that an oxygen shortage killed the children. “What media has reported it does not appear same to us. A final picture will be clear after a report on it comes,” he said on Friday.

A high-level magisterial probe has been ordered into the deaths that occurred between Thursday night and Monday noon, district magistrate Rajeev Rautela said in press conference.

“The BRD principal told us that out of an outstanding of Rs 70 lakh, Rs 35 lakh was paid to the Lucknow-based firm. But the firm said they have not received the payment as a result BRD witnessed disturbance in liquid oxygen supply since last night as firm withdrew supply owing to non-payment,” he said.

Seven deaths were reported since Thursday night to Friday noon. Twenty-three children died between Wednesday and Thursday. “Total 30 deaths occurred in 48 hours,” district magistrate Rajeev added.