NEW DELHI: In a devastating incident, at least 10 patients lost their lives, and several others suffered serious burn injuries after a massive fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday (March 16) morning.
According to sources, the blaze erupted between 2.30am and 3am, reportedly triggered by a suspected electrical short circuit.
After visiting the hospital, meeting the injured patients, and reviewing the situation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased victims.
The Chief Minister also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and assured strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence that may have led to the fire.
PM Modi has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs. 50,000 for the injured in the fire incident.
Addressing the media, CM Majhi said the fire broke out in the trauma care unit of the hospital due to a suspected short circuit, affecting patients in the Trauma Care ICU as well as those in a nearby ICU and ward.
Calling the incident extremely unfortunate, CM said seven critically ill patients died during the evacuation process, while three others succumbed after being shifted to other ICUs.
He stated that a total 23 patients who were undergoing treatment on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were immediately evacuated to safer areas after the fire was detected.
Majhi also acknowledged the bravery of 11 hospital staff members, including security personnel, who risked their lives to rescue patients during the emergency.
Several of them suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns while shifting patients, but are currently stable and receiving treatment in a ground-floor ward. - The Statesman/ANN
