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Odisha Hospital Fire: Judicial Inquiry Ordered, PM & CM Announce Compensation

A tragic fire at SCB Medical College's Trauma Care ICU in Cuttack has resulted in at least 10 fatalities and injured 11 staff members. The Odisha government has appointed a judicial inquiry committee, led by retired judge Laxmidhar Biswal, to investigate the incident and submit a report within 60 days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi have expressed grief and announced ex-gratia payments for the victims' families and the injured. The incident, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, occurred in the early hours of the morning, prompting immediate visits from state officials.

Key Points: SCB Medical College Fire: Judicial Inquiry, PM Modi Condolences

  • Fire in Trauma Care ICU kills 10
  • Judicial probe headed by retired judge
  • PM & CM announce financial compensation
  • Short circuit suspected as cause
2 min read

"Judicial inquiry will be conducted": Newly elected RS member Manmohan Samal visits SCB Medical College following fire incident

10 dead in Cuttack hospital fire. Judicial inquiry ordered. PM Modi & CM Majhi announce compensation. Probe into short circuit cause.

"A judicial inquiry will be conducted... The Prime Minister also talked to the CM, and it is sure that the action will be taken on an immediate basis. - Manmohan Samal"

Cuttack, March 17

Newly elected Rajya Sabha member Manmohan Samal visited SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on Monday, following a tragic fire incident in the Trauma Care ICU, which claimed the lives of at least 10 people and left at least 11 staff members injured during rescue operations.

Describing the incident as "unfortunate", Samal noted that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Health Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, reached the hospital immediately upon receiving news of the incident.

Speaking to ANI, Samal said, "The CM and Health Minister immediately reached on receiving the information... A judicial inquiry will be conducted... The Prime Minister also talked to the CM, and it is sure that the action will be taken on an immediate basis."

Meanwhile, the Odisha Government appointed a judicial inquiry committee headed by retired District Judge Laxmidhar Biswal to investigate the SCB fire mishap. The committee is asked to submit its report within 60 days.

Earliee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the mishap at the hospital was "painful" and offered condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, the PMO also announced "an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Expressing deep grief over the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.

He later visited the site and directed authorities to ensure the safe relocation of all patients.

According to local corporator Deepak Kumar Das on Monday, the incident occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.

Speaking to ANI, Das said, "We came to know at 3 am that. So, I reached the hospital. The incident occurred around 2-2.30 am. It was raining at that time. As per the information available to me, a short circuit had occurred there, which led to this mishap...An inquiry will reveal whether the incident occurred due to an old AC or if there was another reason behind this."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good that the CM and Health Minister reached immediately. The ex-gratia announcements are necessary, but no amount of money can bring back a life. The focus should be on fixing the systemic issues. How many more "short circuit" excuses will we hear?
S
Sarah B
A judicial inquiry that will take 60 days to submit a report? While I understand due process, the families and the public deserve urgent answers and immediate corrective action. Fire audits for all major hospitals across Odisha, and indeed India, should start tomorrow.
A
Aman W
The difference in ex-gratia amounts from the PM and CM is noticeable. Not making it political, but it highlights how compensation isn't standardized. More importantly, let's hope the inquiry is transparent and leads to real accountability, not just a retired judge's report that sits on a shelf.
M
Meera T
SCB is a major government hospital. If the fire safety there is so lax, what about the smaller district hospitals? This is a wake-up call for the entire country. Our healthcare infrastructure needs urgent upgrading, beyond just building new AIIMS.
D
David E
Thoughts are with Cuttack. The staff members injured during rescue are heroes. Hope they recover fully. The inquiry must also look at the emergency response protocols. Were the fire extinguishers working? Was the staff trained? These are basic questions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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