What is the story about?
At least ten patients died after a major fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in the early hours of Monday, March 16.
The fire reportedly started between 2:30 am and 3 am, triggering panic inside the hospital premises, as per news agency PTI. The blaze occurred in the Trauma Care department’s ICU, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment at the time.
Fire service teams rushed to the site and launched an operation to control the flames.
Rescue operation underway, staff injured
Firefighters, along with hospital staff, police personnel and attendants of patients, carried out rescue efforts and evacuated those admitted in the affected ICU.
Officials said patients receiving treatment in the ward were quickly shifted to other departments within the hospital to prevent further casualties. The facility is one of the largest state-run medical institutions in Odisha.
Also Read: Odisha Rajya Sabha polls after 12 years see 5 candidates contest 4 seats
During the rescue operation, 11 members of the hospital staff sustained burn injuries while helping move patients to safety, as per PTI.
CM Manjhi orders probe, announces ex gratia
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to assess the situation and meet those undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister said a preliminary assessment suggested the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, as per PTI.
He also directed officials to ensure proper medical care for those injured in the incident. "I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," he said.
He announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased patient. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the cause of the fire.
Also Read: Iran US Israel war live updates
The fire reportedly started between 2:30 am and 3 am, triggering panic inside the hospital premises, as per news agency PTI. The blaze occurred in the Trauma Care department’s ICU, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment at the time.
Fire service teams rushed to the site and launched an operation to control the flames.
Rescue operation underway, staff injured
Firefighters, along with hospital staff, police personnel and attendants of patients, carried out rescue efforts and evacuated those admitted in the affected ICU.
Officials said patients receiving treatment in the ward were quickly shifted to other departments within the hospital to prevent further casualties. The facility is one of the largest state-run medical institutions in Odisha.
Also Read: Odisha Rajya Sabha polls after 12 years see 5 candidates contest 4 seats
During the rescue operation, 11 members of the hospital staff sustained burn injuries while helping move patients to safety, as per PTI.
CM Manjhi orders probe, announces ex gratia
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to assess the situation and meet those undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister said a preliminary assessment suggested the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, as per PTI.
He also directed officials to ensure proper medical care for those injured in the incident. "I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," he said.
He announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased patient. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the cause of the fire.
Also Read: Iran US Israel war live updates
