At least 10 patients were killed in a major fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha`s Cuttack early Monday morning, officials said, reported the ANI.
The blaze reportedly broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am, when several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.
Following the incident, multiple fire engines and emergency teams rushed to the hospital to control the fire and evacuate patients from the affected area.
During the rescue operation, at least eleven hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while attempting to save patients trapped in the ICU, according to the ANI.
Officials said that 23 patients were safely shifted to other wards and departments as part of the emergency evacuation.
According to officials, seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to ten.
CM orders judicial inquiry
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital after the incident and reviewed the situation.
He ordered a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and directed officials to ensure that all affected patients receive uninterrupted medical care.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the families of each deceased patient.
“A total of 10 patients have died in the incident,” Majhi told reporters. He said that the fire probably originated from a short circuit, reported the PTI.
The chief minister said the fire erupted at the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated.
Majhi also announced a judicial probe into the matter and asked the DG, Fire Service, to inquire into the matter and report to him immediately.
“I direct the Fire Service DG to personally visit SCB Medical College and Hospital and ensure fire compliance,” Majhi said.
If anyone is found guilty in the incident following the report after a judicial probe, strong action will be taken, assured the chief minister.
One of Odisha’s largest hospitals
SCB Medical College and Hospital is among the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, treating thousands of patients from across the state every year, the news agency reported.
The officials said that the investigations were ongoing to examine the circumstances that led to the fire and assess safety measures at the hospital.
(with ANI and PTI inputs)