10 dead, several injured as fire breaks out at Odisha’s SCB Medical College in Cuttack

CUTTACK: At least 10 patients died after a fire broke out in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack on Monday, officials said.The incident happened around 3am. Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital after the incident and confirmed the casualties.Five of the injured are stated to be in critical condition.According to him, seven patients died inside the ICU, while three others died while being shifted to other wards during the rescue operation. The chief minister said the fire was caused by a suspected short circuit in the trauma care intensive care unit. Several patients were rescued and shifted to safer wards as firefighters and hospital staff rushed to control the blaze.Majhi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of those who died in the incident. Officials said 23 employees of SCB Medical College and Hospital who took part in the rescue operation were hospitalised after suffering health complications, including smoke inhalation. Following the incident, Majhi ordered a judicial probe into the hospital fire and assured strict action against anyone found responsible.