10 dead, dozens injured in Odisha hospital fire
Seven patients died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
KATHMANDU: A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the Trauma Care ICU of Shri Ram Chandra Bhanja Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha, claiming the lives of 10 patients.
The blaze erupted around 3 a.m. on the first floor of the hospital, rapidly engulfing the ICU.
Seven patients died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
At the time, 23 patients were admitted to the ICU.
In the rescue efforts, at least 11 hospital staff members sustained burns and injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have sparked the fire.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital Monday morning to assess the condition of the injured.
He announced a compensation of INR 25 lakh per family for the deceased and has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Shri Ram Chandra Bhanja Medical College is the largest healthcare institution in Odisha, catering to patients from across the state.
