A deadly fire at Odisha’s SCB Medical College ICU claimed 10 patient lives. The Chief Minister has ordered a judicial probe and announced financial relief.
Summary: A devastating fire broke out early Monday morning in the intensive care unit of SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha, resulting in the deaths of 10 patients. The state government has announced financial compensation and initiated a formal investigation into the incident.
The Outbreak and Casualties
- A fatal fire erupted at approximately 3:00 am on Monday within the trauma care intensive care unit at SCB Medical College and Hospital.
- The disaster resulted in the deaths of 10 patients, with seven perishing inside the ward and three dying during emergency relocation.
- Additionally, five injured individuals are currently reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Staff Impact
- Hospital workers and emergency fire crews quickly intervened to evacuate the remaining patients to secure wards.
- The intense rescue operations took a physical toll on the responders.
- Twenty-three hospital staff members required medical admission after suffering from severe smoke inhalation and related health complications.
Government Response and Investigation
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi arrived at the medical facility to assess the situation and confirm the death toll.
- Preliminary assessments suggest a short circuit within the ICU may have sparked the blaze.
- The Chief Minister has mandated a judicial investigation into the tragedy and authorized a compensation payout of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased.
