BHUBANESWAR: In a tragic incident, at least 10 patients died while several others sustained serious burn injuries after a major fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, in the wee hours of Monday.
As per sources, the inferno erupted at around 2.30 AM to 3 AM due to suspected electric short circuit.
After meeting the injured patients at the hospital and reviewing the situation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the family members of the deceased patients.
He also ordered a judicial enquiry into the tragic incident and assured stringent action against anyone found guilty of negligence in duty leading to the inferno.
Speaking to media persons, CM Majhi said, “A few hours ago, a major fire broke out in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. As a result, the patients undergoing treatment in the Trauma Care ICU, an adjoining ICU and ward were affected.
"After the fire broke out, 23 patients undergoing treatment on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were shifted to safer locations. Seven critically-ill patients died during the shifting process, while three others succumbed after being moved to other ICUs. It is very unfortunate.”