Odisha reels from a devastating fire in the ICU of SCB Medical College’s Trauma Care center in Cuttack, where 10 patients perished in the early hours of Monday. The horrific event has ignited debates on hospital safety standards amid the chaos of smoke and flames.
Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, voiced his anguish over the ‘unimaginable tragedy.’ Extending heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families, he prayed for peace for the souls lost and swift recovery for the wounded. ‘The injured must receive the best possible treatment without delay,’ he insisted firmly.
Patnaik wasted no time, instructing Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh and the local MLA from Tangi-Choudwar to head to the spot immediately for on-ground support. Planning his own visit to the hospital, he aims to evaluate the aftermath directly and console those impacted.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as nightmarish: the fire started at approximately 2:30 AM, rapidly spreading through the ICU. Fire services and police arrived quickly, but the toll was already irreversible. Probe teams are scouring for clues, with short-circuiting suspected as a potential trigger.
Responding promptly, CM Mohan Charan Majhi inspected the site and declared Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia from the CMRF per family. Special care units for survivors were mandated, highlighting the state’s commitment amid rising public concern.
As families mourn, this fire serves as a stark reminder of vulnerabilities in critical care setups. Odisha’s leadership now faces pressure to overhaul fire safety measures, ensuring such a dark chapter isn’t repeated.