At least ten patients lost their lives in a tragic fire incident at the Trauma Care Centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in the early hours on March 16. Several hospital staff members were also injured while attempting to rescue patients during the emergency.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on the first floor of the Trauma Care department, where many critically ill patients were undergoing treatment in the ICU. During the situation, hospital staff, fire personnel, police and attendants worked together to evacuate patients and shift them to safer areas within the hospital.
Around eleven hospital staff members reportedly sustained burn injuries while helping with the evacuation and rescue operations. Critically ill patients were later shifted to the New Medicine ICU for continued treatment.
Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital along with Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to review the situation. The Chief Minister confirmed that ten people had died in the incident and announced an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy while directing officials to ensure proper treatment for those injured.
