Nine Russian coronavirus patients die after oxygen malfunction

Nine coronavirus patients died in a Russian hospital in the southern city of Vladikavkaz after an oxygen pipe burst underground, cutting supply to an intensive care ward, Report informs, citing RIA Novosti.

"Nine patients with coronavirus died due to a lack of oxygen," the TASS news agency reportedç citing the local health ministry.

"A total of 71 people were in intensive care, not all were (receiving) oxygen supply," TASS said.

Regional authorities have agreed with the defense ministry to supply oxygen to all of the city's hospitals from Mozdok, around 80 km (50 miles) north of Vladikavkaz, the RIA news agency reported.