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Preliminary Hearing in Troy Hyperbaric Blast Centers on Grounding-Strap Dispute

The judge will decide whether the four workers face trial after testimony focused on grounding practices in an oxygen‑rich chamber.

Overview

  • Testimony resumed with a former Oxford Center employee confirming the manufacturer Sechrist observed patients without grounding bracelets during visits.
  • Four workers are charged in the Jan. 31, 2025 explosion that killed 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, including second-degree murder counts for the CEO and two managers.
  • Prosecutors allege routine safety lapses such as skipping grounding straps, rolling back chamber cycle counts, using polyester pillows, and giving dryer-warm blankets.
  • Troy’s deputy fire chief previously testified that static discharge was the likely ignition source and said a grounding strap likely would have reduced the risk, noting some evidence remains untested.
  • A detective testified grounding wrist straps were found unused in a junk drawer and video showed the child never wore one across 35 treatments, as the hearing continues.