New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Monday conveyed her profound sorrow regarding the tragic loss of lives in a devastating fire that occurred at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. She extended her sincere condolences to the families affected by this unfortunate event.

The fire broke out during the early hours on Monday within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care center at SCB Medical College and Hospital. Reports indicate that at least 10 patients lost their lives, while numerous others sustained severe burn injuries as a result of the blaze.

Expressing her grief on the social media platform X, the President stated, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic fire incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. I wish for a swift recovery for those injured," she wrote.

Sources revealed that the inferno began around 2:30 AM to 3 AM, likely due to an electrical short circuit.

After inspecting the situation and meeting the injured patients, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased patients.

He also ordered a judicial investigation into this unfortunate incident and promised strict action against anyone found culpable of negligence that led to the fire.

During a press briefing, CM Majhi stated, "A significant fire erupted in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. The patients in the Trauma Care ICU, as well as those in an adjacent ICU and ward, were impacted.

"Following the outbreak of the fire, 23 patients on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were relocated to safer areas. Tragically, seven critically ill patients perished during the transfer, while three others succumbed after being moved to different ICUs. This is indeed a tragic situation."

He expressed his sympathies to the families of the deceased and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath for the healing of the injured. Majhi also instructed the Health Department to ensure that advanced treatments are provided to those severely injured who are currently receiving care in other ICUs and wards.

Moreover, he acknowledged the bravery of 11 hospital staff members, including security personnel, who risked their lives to aid in the evacuation of patients. Many of these staff members suffered injuries due to smoke inhalation and flames during the evacuation, but they are now stable and receiving treatment in a ground floor ward.

“Since our government took office, I have directed the department to assess and enhance fire safety measures at all hospitals throughout the state. For the 2025–26 budget, we have allocated Rs 320 crore to improve fire safety measures, and work is progressing rapidly.

“For the upcoming financial year 2026–27, we have earmarked Rs 400 crore for this purpose,” the Chief Minister added.

Chief Minister Majhi instructed all departmental officials to guarantee the installation of advanced fire suppression systems in hospitals throughout the state.

“I have directed the Director General of Odisha Fire and Emergency Services (Sudhanshu Sarangi) to personally evaluate the fire safety protocols and ensure compliance at SCB Medical College and Hospital.

“Additionally, I have mandated a judicial inquiry into the incident. Should any negligence be uncovered as the cause of the fire, the government will take rigorous action following the judicial inquiry report,” he concluded.