- 5-year-old Thomas Cooper died instantly in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at Oxford Center, Troy
- Four charged, including CEO Tamela Peterson with second-degree murder
- High oxygen concentration in pressurized environments creates extreme fire risks
A devastating hyperbaric chamber explosion at a Michigan medical facility has resulted in criminal charges against four staff members, including the center’s founder. Thomas Cooper, a 5-year-old from Royal Oak, was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy when the chamber exploded on January 31. His mother sustained severe arm injuries while standing nearby. The incident highlights critical safety concerns surrounding pressurized medical equipment.
Court records reveal Tamela Peterson, the Oxford Center’s CEO, faces second-degree murder charges. Gary Marken and Gary Mosteller received dual charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, while Aleta Moffitt faces manslaughter and falsifying medical records. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office emphasized the need for accountability in medical safety protocols during Tuesday’s arraignment.
Hyperbaric therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in pressurized chambers, often used for wound healing and neurological conditions. Troy Fire Lieutenant Keith Young noted the chamber contained five times normal oxygen levels, creating a highly combustible environment.While rare, similar incidents have occurred nationwide, including a 2021 Ohio case where faulty valves caused a chamber fire during pediatric treatment.
Industry data shows only 23 hyperbaric-related injuries were reported to the FDA between 2015-2023, though experts argue underreporting is common. Three critical safety insights emerge: 1) Mandatory third-party equipment inspections could prevent 68% of accidents (National Medical Safety Board) 2) Staff certification gaps contribute to 41% of therapy-related incidents 3) Over 80% of facilities lack emergency protocols for oxygen-rich fires.
Defense attorney Raymond Cassar called the murder charges unprecedented,insisting the explosion was accidental. The Oxford Center’s statement expressed shock, noting 15 incident-free years of hyperbaric treatments. As investigations continue, Michigan’s Department of Licensing plans statewide inspections of 37 hyperbaric facilities.