Mar 16, Kathmandu - Ten patients died in a massive fire at the prestigious SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, on Monday morning. The patients were undergoing treatment due to a fire in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital's trauma care center.

It is initial estimated that the fire broke out due to a sudden 'short circuit' between 2:30 and 3:00 am on Monday morning. 23 critically ill patients were admitted to the ICU when the fire broke out. 11 hospital staff were also injured while rescuing the patients amidst the flames.

According to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seven people died while transferring the patients to other departments after the fire and three more died during treatment. 'We tried to safely evacuate 23 people, but we could not save 10 who were in critical condition,' Chief Minister Majhi told media persons.

Chief Minister Majhi and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling reached the hospital immediately after the incident and inspected the situation.

The Chief Minister has announced a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh per family for the families of the deceased. In addition, instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to ensure proper and free treatment of the injured.

Judicial inquiry
Taking this accident in a sensitive area like a hospital seriously, the government has ordered a judicial inquiry. Chief Minister Majhi has pledged that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits if any negligence is found in the incident.

With this incident, questions have also started to be raised about the security arrangements and fire control system of the hospital.