A late-night inferno gripped the Trauma Care ICU at Cuttack’s SCB Medical College at 2:30 am today. Prompt action by the hospital’s fire brigade, later joined by three emergency vehicles, prevented a larger catastrophe.
Critically ill patients were swiftly evacuated to the New Medicine ICU as the Health Secretary, District Magistrate, and DCP rushed to the scene.
While a short circuit is the suspected cause, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik—who arrived personally to review the situation—has ordered a joint investigation to uncover the truth. In a compassionate move, the state has announced:
₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.
Free medical treatment for all injured victims.
Senior officials remain on-site to monitor the transition of care. Despite the chaos, the swift coordination between medical staff and fire services ensured that a tragic night didn't turn even darker.