Tragedy struck the government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning as a major fire in the ICU claimed the lives of ten patients. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited the site, confirmed that the blaze broke out between 2:30 am and 3:00 am, likely due to a short circuit in the Trauma Care department.
While seven patients died in the fire, three others succumbed to injuries or suffocation during the evacuation process. Additionally, 11 hospital staff members sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue those trapped. The Chief Minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the kin of each deceased person.
Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. (PTI)
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