SCB Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 13, Judicial Probe Ordered
Bhubaneswar: A devastating fire broke out in the Trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, claiming 13 lives and leaving two patients in critical condition.
Initial reports suggest the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit.
Rescue teams evacuated 15 patients, but three were burnt alive inside the ICU, while seven others succumbed to suffocation. Two more patients died later during treatment.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital, expressed grief, and announced Rs 25 lakh compensation for each victim’s family.
He also ordered a judicial inquiry and constituted a fact-finding team to determine the cause of the fire.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident, directing the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report within 15 days.
Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik also visited the hospital, met injured patients, and discussed treatment arrangements with doctors.
The tragedy has sparked political reactions and raised questions about hospital safety standards.
