10 patients killed, over 20 injured in fire at SCB Medical College in Odisha

CM Mohan Majhi visits hospital, announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for families of deceased

By Viraj Shukla
Cuttack, March 16: At least 10 patients were reportedly killed and more than 20 others sustained burn injuries in a fire mishap at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack late on Sunday night.

Reports said the fire broke out at around 2 AM due to a suspected electrical short circuit in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care centre located on the first floor of the casualty department building. As many as 22 patients were reportedly present in the unit at the time of the incident.

Fire Services personnel reached the spot about an hour later and brought the blaze under control after battling it for nearly half an hour.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital early on Monday morning and held discussions with senior officials.

“It is an unfortunate incident. I met the injured patients and the relatives of the victims. The mishap might have occurred due to an electrical short circuit. I have ordered a judicial probe into the incident. Anyone found responsible will be punished as per the findings of the inquiry,” the Chief Minister said.

He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and assured free treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister also directed the Director General of Fire Services to visit the hospital and review the fire safety arrangements.

At least 11 attendants and relatives of patients undergoing treatment in the casualty department sustained injuries while trying to rescue patients during the blaze. They were admitted to a special care unit of the hospital and are reported to be stable, the Chief Minister informed.