At least 10 patients were killed after a major fire broke out at the government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack early on Monday. At least11 hospital staff members have suffered burn injuries while trying to rescue the patients.
The fire started in the ICU of the Trauma Care department, where critically ill patients were being treated, between 2:30 am and 3 am. Multiple fire engines and emergency teams were rushed to the hospital to control the blaze and evacuate patients.
In total, 23 patients were shifted to other departments and wards as part of the emergency evacuation.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital to assess the situation and met the patients currently undergoing treatment.
Speaking to the media, Majhi said that the fire was likely caused by a short-circuit. It affected not only the Trauma Care ICU but also adjoining ICU areas and wards.
“A total of 23 patients have been relocated to other departments. Seven patients died while being transferred to other ICUs and wards, while three more succumbed to their injuries later,” he said.
The chief minister ordered a judicial investigation into the incident and also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased victims.