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A massive fire erupted in an ICU in Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack killed 10 patients and injuring around 11 staff members. The incident took place in the wee hours of Monday. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other authorities rushed to the site.

As many as 23 patients undergoing treatment were shifted to safer locations soon after the fire. 10 patients died in the ICU, and one more died during the shifting process. Several staff members suffered burn injuries while rescuing patients to safety.
As per the preliminary information, the fire erupted at the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated. The officials added that the fire broke out at around 2.30 and 3 a.m.

Fire tenders and other officials also rushed to the site to douse the fire.

The fire service officials, along with hospital staff, police, and patients’ attendants, rescued the patients receiving treatment in the ICU and relocated them to other departments within SCB hospital.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, reached the hospital and reviewed the situation. He also visited the patients, who are under treatment at the facility.

The CM directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the critically injured and announced Rs 25 lakh financial assistance for the families of the deceased.
Speaking to the reporters, the CM Majhi said the fire erupted due to a suspected short-circuit. It affected Trauma Care ICU and adjoining ICI and wards, he said. “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 persons died later," Majhi said.

“I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," he added.