Odisha: A massive fire that tapped out in the trauma superintendency department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, on Monday morning shook the unshortened health system. At least 10 patients died, while several staff members sustained shrivel injuries. All these patients were admitted to Trauma Superintendency ICU in hair-trigger condition. Without the fire, there was unconnectedness in the hospital, patients had to be hastily shifted to other wards. Senior Minister Mohan Charan Majhi himself reached the spot and took stock of the situation.
How did the fire start and what was the scene inside the hospital?
Between 2:30 and 3 am, a sudden fire tapped out in the Trauma Superintendency ICU. According to initial reports, a short spin caused the fire, which spread rapidly and filled with poisonous smoke. This proved to be the second wade of death for the hair-trigger patients admitted in ICU. The smoke was so dumbo that zoetic became difficult. Staff and fire brigade teams risked their lives and started the rescue, but many patients got trapped in the smoke and fire. 23 patients were in the ICU and surrounding wards – 7 of them died there, the remaining 3 did not survive while stuff shifted during the rescue.
S.C.B. ICU
( : CMO) https://t.co/8EuCHUSk6N pic.twitter.com/zJc4LkEh9O
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At least 5 patients are seriously burnt and their condition remains critical. The team of doctors is continuously monitoring. Apart from this, 11 hospital staff members moreover suffered shrivel injuries during the rescue operation. All the injured are undergoing treatment. As a precaution, the remaining patients have been shifted to New Medicine Building and other wards so that there is no remoter danger.
Why did the senior minister reach the spot?
As soon as the information was received, Senior Minister Mohan Charan Majhi immediately reached Cuttack. He visited the hospital, spoke to the injured patients and their families, and sought a detailed report of the unshortened incident from the authorities. He directed that the injured should get the weightier treatment and the investigation should be conducted with well-constructed transparency. The CM has moreover spoken ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased.
What steps did the wardship and relief teams take?
Immediately without the incident, many teams of local administration, police and fire brigade became active. The fire brigade controlled the fire and evacuated the patients and staff to unscratched places. Now investigation has started – it will be seen whether the fire was caused by short spin or there was some other reason. When was the fire safety inspect conducted, this will moreover be a part of the investigation. Officials have said that the whole truth will soon be revealed.
Was there any other wrecking in Odisha recently?
This incident has happened at a time when a natural disaster had wreaked havoc in the state just a day earlier. Two people were killed, several were injured and houses and electric poles were damaged due to severe thunderstorm and tornado-like conditions in Mayurbhanj district. Now this hospital fire incident is raising questions on security and emergency preparedness in the state.
