At least 10 people are feared dead in a massive fire that broke out early Monday morning at the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack.
The PTI news agency quoted Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as saying that at least 10 people died in the fire.
Around 11 hospital staff suffered burns while rescuing patients to safety, PTI reported, while Hindustan Times added that five of the injured were in critical condition.
“A total of 23 patients were shifted to other wards. Seven serious patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three others died later,” CM Majhi was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I have directed the police officers concerned to give proper treatment to the injured patients,” the CM added.
What we know so far
The fire broke out early Monday morning in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital’s trauma department, where seriously ill patients were being treated.
An official told PTI that the fire broke out between 2.30 am and 3 am on Monday.
Shortly after the fire broke out, firefighters rushed to the hospital and extinguished the fire, authorities said.
Soon after receiving this news, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling visited the hospital and reviewed the situation.
The CM also visited the patients being treated at the facility, PTI reported.
What caused the fire?
An official investigation will look into the cause of the fire, but foul play is not suspected.
CM Majhi told reporters that the fire was suspected to be a short circuit.
Majhi also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, the CMO in Urida said.
Ex-gratia announced
Soon after news of the tragedy emerged, Odisha CM Majhi also announced ex-gratia for the kin of the deceased.
The amount of the ex-gratia will be ₹25 lakh, the CMO said, adding that the payments would be made from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
