In Odisha, at least ten people were killed after a major fire broke out at the Trauma Care Centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in the early hours today. Around eleven hospital staff members sustained burn injuries while rescuing patients. Officials said the fire broke out around 3 this morning on the first floor of the Trauma Care department, reportedly due to a suspected short circuit.

 

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Health Minister of Odisha Mukesh Mahaling, rushed to the spot and reviewed the situation.  The Chief Minister said that 10 persons have been killed, and he announced an ex gratia of 25 lakh rupees for the next of kin of each deceased and directed officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

 

Most of the deceased were patients admitted to the Trauma Care ICU. Following the incident, fire safety systems were activated and three fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze. Fire personnel, hospital staff, police and attendants worked together to evacuate patients and shift them to other departments. Critically ill patients have been moved to the New Medicine ICU.