10 Dead as Fire Ravages ICU at SCB Medical College, Cuttack
10 Dead as Fire Ravages ICU at SCB Medical College, Cuttack
A massive fire tore through the ICU at SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, killing 10 and injuring many as rescue teams battled flames.
An early-morning blaze ripped through the intensive care unit of SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, leaving at least 10 patients dead and several others severely injured.
Authorities say the fire started in the trauma care ICU due to an electrical short circuit. As flames spread, 23 patients on the first floor of trauma care were shifted to safety.
Firefighters, hospital staff, and security personnel fought the blaze for hours. Eleven hospital employees were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment, with their conditions reported as stable.
Seven patients died during the evacuation, and three more succumbed in the ICU, taking the toll to 10. A judicial probe has been ordered to determine the causes and assess safety lapses.
The Chief Minister visited the hospital to take stock of the situation. He announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased and emphasized fire-safety upgrades. Budgetary provisions for fire prevention had already been made, with additional funds proposed for the current year.
Officials said fire-prevention infrastructure will be completed on a war footing, and departments have been directed to complete fire-proofing across hospital buildings.
As the region mourns, authorities and medical staff vow to learn from the tragedy and strengthen safety measures in healthcare facilities.
