At least 10 patients killed after fire in SCB hospital in Odisha's Cuttack

Cuttack: At least 10 people were killed and several were injured after a major fire erupted in the trauma care department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack in wee hours of Monday. The massive fire erupted while 23 patients were admitted to the Trauma Care ICU wing, according to officials.

When did the incident happen?

The massive fire broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am, where critically ill patients were being treated.

Officials said that the exact reason of the fire is yet to be ascertained, adding that it could be due to short circuit. 

How did authorities respond?

Police teams, including fire service teams, rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. Several patients, who were undergoing treatment at the ICU, were rescued and shifted to other departments within the hospital. 

While attempting to rescue patients, about 11 hospital staff members also sustained burn injuries. 

Did Chief Minister visit the hospital?

After the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital to review the situation.

The ministers visited other patients who are receiving treatment at the facility and held meetings with senior officials to assess the damage and ensure proper medical care for the injured. 

"A total of 23 patients have been shifted to other departments. Seven serious patients died while shifting to other ICUs and wards, while another three patients died later. I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," the Chief Minister told the media.

Majhi also announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of those who died in the tragedy.