At least 11 patients died after a fire broke out in the trauma care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital, one of the largest government hospitals in Odisha, on Monday. The fire started on the first floor of the unit, where 23 patients were receiving treatment. It was reported around 3 a.m., and firefighters responded quickly.
10 dead in fire broke out in SCB Medical college Odisha
Initially, the death toll was ten, with officials confirming that five others were in critical condition. Later, one of those patients died from their injuries, raising the total to 11.
Authorities believe a short circuit may have caused the fire. Hospital staff and emergency responders evacuated patients from the affected ward to other units while fire crews worked to control the flames.
25 lakh compensation announced for deceased families
CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who arrived at the hospital, ordered a judicial investigation into the fire and announced ₹25 lakh in compensation for the families of the patients who died. Police Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, S Dev Datta Singh, reported that seven patients died during evacuation, and the other three died shortly after. There were no children among the victims.
The medical college has its own fire service unit that responded after the incident. Fire personnel from the Cuttack Fire Station were also notified and arrived to help with firefighting and rescue efforts. At least three fire trucks and over 30 personnel were deployed.
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