President Murmu Expresses Grief Over Cuttack Hospital Fire That Killed 10

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday voiced deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a devastating hospital fire in Cuttack, Odisha. She conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to the injured.

The President expressed her anguish through a message on X. She described the incident as deeply distressing and extended prayers for the victims and their families.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a massive blaze erupted in the Intensive Care Unit of the trauma centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital.

Preliminary reports confirmed that at least ten patients lost their lives, while several others sustained severe burn injuries.

Initial assessments indicate that the fire broke out between 2:30 AM and 3 AM. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit triggered the inferno.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital and reviewed the emergency response.

He announced an ex gratia payment of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased patient.

Officials shifted twenty-three patients from the first floor of the trauma ICU to safer areas during the emergency evacuation.

Seven critically ill patients died during the transfer, while three others later succumbed in different intensive care units.

Majhi ordered a judicial inquiry into the disaster and assured strict action if negligence is established. He directed the Health Department to provide advanced treatment to those injured.

The Chief Minister also praised eleven hospital staff members, including security personnel, who risked their lives to rescue patients. Several rescuers suffered smoke inhalation but remain stable.

The state government has allocated ₹320 crore in the 2025-26 budget to strengthen hospital fire safety systems and ₹400 crore for the following financial year.

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