Fire at Cuttack Hospital ICU: 10 patients killed, 11 staff injured

Cuttack: A major fire broke out at the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Odisha's government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday morning, claiming the lives of 10 people. Eleven hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while rescuing patients, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.  

The chief minister, who rushed to the hospital, said that around 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while rescuing patients to safety. Noting that there were 23 patients at the Trauma Care ICU and an adjacent ICU and ward, the chief minister said seven patients died in the fire, while three others succumbed to burns or suffocation during evacuation, reports PTI.  

According to news reports, the incident took place between 2:30 am and 3:00 am in the Trauma Care ICU, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. Multiple fire engines were rushed to the hospital, and emergency teams worked to control the blaze.  

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"A total of 10 patients have died in the incident," Majhi told reporters. He said that the fire probably originated from a short circuit.   

The chief minister said the fire erupted in the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated.   

Mohan Charan Majhi also announced a judicial probe into the matter and asked the DG, Fire Service, to enquire into the matter and report to him immediately.     

Expressing his condolences, the Chief Minister announced Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia compensation from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person.    

SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, serving thousands of patients from across the state.   

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