CUTTACK: At least 10 patients were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital early Monday, officials said.
The blaze erupted around 3am. Mohan Charan Majhi, chief minister of Odisha, visited the hospital following the incident and confirmed the casualties. Five of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
According to the chief minister, seven patients died inside the ICU, while three others died during the rescue operation while being shifted to other wards.
Majhi said the fire was suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the trauma care intensive care unit. Firefighters and hospital staff rushed to the scene, rescuing several patients and moving them to safer wards as efforts were made to bring the blaze under control.
The chief minister also announced an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
Officials added that 23 employees of SCB Medical College and Hospital who participated in the rescue operation were hospitalised after suffering health issues, including smoke inhalation.
Following the incident, Majhi ordered a judicial inquiry into the fire and assured strict action against those found responsible.
