Three people have been charged with second-degree murder after a 5-year-old boy was killed when a hyperbaric chamber exploded at a medical facility in Michigan earlier this year, officials announced Tuesday.
Thomas Cooper died on Jan. 31 in the incident at the Oxford Center in Troy, officials said.
The chamber contained 100% oxygen, making it extremely flammable, Lt. Keith Young of the Detroit Fire Department said at the time.
The owner of the Oxford Center, Tamela Peterson, and two other employees of the facility, have now been charged with second-degree murder in connection with his death, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.
They also face an alternative charge of involuntary manslaughter. Nessel said a jury will ultimately decide if the state has enough evidence to prove the murder charge.
The Oxford Center in Troy Michigan, 165 Kirts Boulevard, is seen here from Google Maps.
The operator of the hyperbaric chamber also faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter, Nessel said.
“Due to many failures by men and women who would call themselves medical professionals — and wanton or willful disregard for the likelihood that their actions would cause the death of a patient — 5-year-old Thomas Cooper was killed,” Nessel said at a press briefing.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.