NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed distress over the loss of lives in the tragic Cuttack hospital fire incident in Odisha and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a major fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital. According to reports, at least 10 patients lost their lives, while several others suffered serious burn injuries in the blaze.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."
It further added that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, the injured would be given Rs. 50, 000.