A fire in the trauma ICU at Cuttack’s SCB Medical College Hospital lead to death of 10 patients; Odisha CM orders probe
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Cuttack, Odisha: A tragic incident happened at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha after a fire broke out in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) early Monday morning.
Officials said the fire started between 2:30 am and 3:00 am while several critically ill patients were being treated in the ICU. The fire spread quickly inside the ward and caused panic among patients, hospital staff and attendants. Many of the patients in the unit were on ventilators and oxygen support, which made it harder to move them quickly during the emergency.
Hospital staff immediately informed emergency services and started shifting patients to safer places while firefighters rushed to the hospital.
10 Patients Dead, Several Others Injured
Officials confirmed that at least 10 patients died in the fire and several others were injured. According to authorities, 7 patients died while they were being moved to other ICUs or wards during the evacuation. 3 other patients later died because of their injuries.
At least 11 hospital staff members were also injured with burns while trying to rescue patients during the fire. Doctors said 5 injured patients are still in critical condition and are being treated. Officials also said that none of the victims were children.
Patients Shifted During Rescue Operation
Hospital authorities and rescue teams quickly started evacuating patients after the fire began.
Around 23 patients were shifted from the trauma care unit to other wards and departments inside the hospital so they could continue their treatment safely.
Firefighters from the local fire department reached the hospital soon after the fire was reported. Several fire engines and emergency teams worked together to control the fire.
The hospital also has its own fire service unit, which joined the rescue operation along with firefighters from nearby stations.
More than 30 emergency personnel and several fire tenders were sent to the hospital during the rescue operation.
Their quick action helped stop the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.
Electrical Short Circuit Suspected
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact reason for the fire.
However, early reports suggest the fire may have started because of an electrical short circuit in the trauma care unit.
Investigators will now check the hospital’s electrical systems and fire safety arrangements to find out what exactly caused the incident.
The tragedy has also raised concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in hospitals.
Chief Minister Visits Hospital and Orders Probe
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital soon after he received information about the incident.
He reviewed the situation with hospital officials and also met the injured patients who are receiving treatment.
The Chief Minister called the incident tragic and said the government will make sure that all injured patients receive proper medical care.
He also ordered a judicial inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire and find out if there was any negligence.
Officials said strict action will be taken if the investigation finds any safety lapses.
Government Announces Compensation
The Odisha government has announced financial help for the families affected by the tragedy.
Chief Minister Majhi said the family of each person who died in the fire will receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh.
The government has also instructed hospital authorities to provide the best possible treatment to all injured patients.
Leaders Express Grief Over the Incident
Several leaders have expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the hospital fire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the incident is very painful and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed grief and asked the government to make sure that the injured patients receive proper medical care.
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Safety Concerns After Hospital Fire
The fire at SCB Medical College Hospital has raised serious questions about safety systems in hospitals.
SCB Medical College is one of the largest government hospitals in Odisha and treats thousands of patients every day.
Experts say hospitals must have strong fire safety systems, especially in critical areas like ICUs where patients cannot move easily during emergencies.
Authorities are now likely to review safety measures in hospitals across the state to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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