Statement on HBOT Explosion in Troy

5-YEAR-old child dies at Oxford Center in Troy, MI

As many have heard, a child tragically lost their life while under care at The Oxford Center on January 31st, 2025. As the news reports, the child was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment, commonly referred to as HBOT. His name was Thomas (Gofundme).

A devastating explosion at The Oxford Center in Troy on Friday morning claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy inside a hyperbaric chamber. Emergency crews arrived quickly, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

The child’s mother, who was standing nearby, also suffered injuries. Officials confirmed that the explosion was contained within the chamber, and the fire has since been extinguished.

In a statement from The Oxford Center, spokesman Andrew Kistner wrote in an email that the cause of the explosion is unknown and that Friday was an “exceptionally difficult day for all of us.”

Authorities, including Troy Police and Fire Departments, are actively investigating the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown at this time. [1][2][3][4][5]

I want to begin by expressing my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the unimaginable loss of this innocent child. No child and no parent should ever have to endure such pain, and my heart truly aches for the family in this devastating time. I cannot imagine the shock and pain they have to endure.

As reports have stated, this tragic incident occurred during a hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) session at The Oxford Center in Troy. Authorities, including the Troy Police and Fire Departments, are actively investigating the cause of the explosion, and I hope that a thorough and transparent review will provide answers and ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.

For those who may not be aware, I previously led the medical division at Oxford Recovery Center (ORC) until the summer of 2021. Since then, I have had no affiliation with the organization, which remains under the leadership of Tami Peterson as CEO, formally the Oxford Recovery Center.

Kimberly Casey Codin Diskin, a former employee of Oxford Recovery Center, was recently convicted on multiple felony counts for operating under a stolen BCBA license and accused by multiple families for abusing children affected with autism and by parents and former employees for insurance fraud while employed under Tami Peterson.

Source: WDIV

I have been to almost every single court meeting regarding Mrs. Diskin in the last 2+ years, working closely with the victimized families and attorney general’s office.

After this tragic incident and Thomas having passed, I was asked by Fox 2 Detroit to be interviewed. Here is the segment. Please also read Crains Detroit story on the Brighton branch.

It is essential to highlight the importance of strict safety protocols, chamber maintenance and calibration (e.g. ensuring compliance with NFPA 99 (National Fire Protection Association) standards, regular equipment inspections, and adherence to hyperbaric-specific safety guidelines) to prevent oxygen toxicity, barotrauma, or fire hazards.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been widely utilized for various conditions in the United States, including conditions that are not on the approved list by the FDA and there are generally believed to be about 1,500 hyperbaric medicine facilities in the US. Ms. Peterson co-authored a peer-reviewed study in January 2024 on its potential benefits for speech in ASD.

This tragedy underscores the necessity of strict scrutiny and adherence to best practices within all medical and therapeutic environments. I encourage all parents and caregivers to thoroughly research and vet any facility before pursuing treatments for their loved ones. Ensuring proper adherence to established safety standards is crucial for the well-being of every patient.

I trust that the ongoing investigation will provide much-needed clarity and that any necessary improvements will be made to protect patients in the future in other centers around the United States. For now, all I can do is pray for this little boy and his family. My deepest sympathies go out to them and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bogner