Argus News - Breaking News: SCB Fire Death Toll Rises to 11; NHRC Seeks Report from Odisha Chief Secretary Within 15 Days

Cuttack, Mar 17: The death toll in the fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack has risen to 11 after another patient succumbed to injuries during treatment, our source from the ground informed Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Pabitra Dosari from Koraput, who was undergoing treatment in the Orthopaedic ICU when he died.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a major fire broke out in the ICU of the Trauma Care department, where critically ill patients were being treated. Initial reports suggest the blaze erupted between 2.30am and 3am, allegedly due to a short circuit, killing 10 patients on the spot and injuring several others.

NHRC Seeks Accountability
Taking serious note of the incident, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary of Odisha. The Commission has directed authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit findings within 15 days.

Also Read: President Murmu Mourns Loss of Lives in Tragic Fire Incident at Cuttack SCB

Centre, State Announce Ex-Gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed distress over the loss of lives and spoke to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi regarding the incident. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased.

Chief Minister Majhi, who visited the hospital earlier in the day to review the situation, announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each for the next of kin of those who died. He also directed officials to extend all possible assistance to the affected families and ensure proper treatment for the injured, our source said.