Man exposed to radiation dies, another critical

A 35-year-old man died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 19 days after he was exposed to radioactive material in the scrap market of Mayapuri in West Delhi. Another victim continues to remain critical, doctors said on Tuesday.

Rajender Prasad, who was exposed to Cobalt 60 at a scrap dealer shop in Mayapuri in West Delhi and admitted to AIIMS on April 8, died around 9.30 pm on Monday after multiple organ failure.

"He developed bilateral pneumonia and was exhibiting signs of kidney and liver function impairment. He was put on ventilator on April 24," a doctor treating the radiation victims said.

According to doctors, another radiation victim Ram Kalap is critical and his blood counts have reduced significantly. He has been put on prophylactic antibiotic and antifungal agents.

Eight radiation victims have been admitted to hospitals so far.

Six people were admitted at AIIMS with radiation exposure. One was discharged on April 20. Three patients continue to have low blood count but are stable, the doctor said.

Deepak Jain, a scrap metal dealer from Mayapuri, was the first victim. He turned black after he touched the radioactive source. He had a considerably suppressed bone marrow and is hospitalised at the Indraprastha Apollo hospital.

Ajay Jain, another scrap metal dealer from Mayapuri, was admitted to Max Hospital in Pitampura on April 10. He suffered minor burns and was declared radiation free by the hospital authorities. His condition is being monitored.