At least ten patients lost their lives after a devastating fire broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning.
According to officials, the fire erupted around 2:30 am in the trauma care centre, triggering panic among patients, attendants, and hospital staff. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the ICU ward where several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and launched a rescue operation. While many patients were evacuated to safer wards, several were trapped due to the rapid spread of smoke inside the unit. Authorities confirmed that ten patients died in the incident, while a number of hospital staff members sustained injuries during the rescue efforts.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after several hours. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital following the incident and expressed grief over the loss of lives. He announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased patient and ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragedy.
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in hospitals across the country. Authorities said a detailed investigation will examine the circumstances that led to the fatal blaze.
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