Cuttack, March 16, IPU Media Update News : A devastating fire broke out early this morning (Monday) at the Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital, a prominent government medical facility in the state of Odisha. Ten patients undergoing treatment lost their lives after flames erupted in the Trauma Care ICU (Intensive Care Unit) section of the hospital. This incident has caused widespread shock and alarm across the state.

** What Exactly Happened in the Early Hours — ? :

Around 3:00 AM this morning, a fire suddenly ignited in the ICU located on the first floor of the Trauma Care wing. Preliminary assessments suggest that the accident was likely caused by a short circuit. As the flames spread rapidly and thick smoke engulfed the area, patients on ventilators inside the ICU were unable to escape; they subsequently died due to suffocation.

** 10 Lives Lost :

Of the 10 deceased, seven passed away inside the ICU itself, while three others died while being evacuated to other wards. Approximately 11 hospital staff members sustained serious injuries while attempting to rescue the patients. Additionally, 23 other employees fell ill due to smoke inhalation and are currently receiving medical treatment. Locals fear that the death toll could potentially rise.

** Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Expresses Condolences! Compensation Announcement**

Immediately upon learning of the accident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi rushed to the scene of the incident. After reviewing the situation, he visited and consoled the victims. On this occasion, the Chief Minister made several key announcements:

**Compensation : He announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakhs per person to the families of the deceased, on behalf of the government.

** Free Medical Treatment : The Chief Minister directed that advanced medical care be provided to the injured, and ordered that all associated costs be borne by the government.

**Judicial Inquiry : The CM ordered a comprehensive judicial inquiry into the accident. He warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible if any safety lapses within the hospital are identified.

** Relief Operations : Firefighting personnel responded promptly and brought the blaze under control using three fire engines. Officials stated that, had it not been for this timely intervention, the loss of life would have been significantly higher. Currently, the remaining patients have been evacuated to safe locations and are receiving medical treatment.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist.