Bhubaneswar, March 16 (NationPress) The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow on Monday regarding the tragic demise of ten patients caused by a significant fire at the Intensive Care Unit of the Trauma Care Centre at SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha. In response, PM Modi declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for each family affected by this tragedy, while numerous other leaders conveyed their condolences.

President Murmu shared her grief on her X handle, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the devastating fire incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. My sincerest condolences to the grieving families. I hope for a swift recovery for the injured.”

On the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) X handle, PM Modi reiterated his condolences and mentioned the ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He stated, “The incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. I wish for a rapid recovery for the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased individual. Additionally, those injured will receive Rs. 50,000.”

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik are among various leaders who expressed their sorrow over the patients' unfortunate deaths.

Kambhampati remarked, “I am profoundly grieved by the tragic fire incident in the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The affected patients have been promptly relocated to safer areas and their treatment continues without interruption. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected, and I wish them a speedy recovery.”

Additionally, LoP Patnaik extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, urging the state government to ensure optimal medical care for all injured individuals.

“The tragic fire at SCB Medical has resulted in multiple fatalities, which is incredibly saddening. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families. I also wish for the quick recovery of those critically hurt in the incident. The state government must provide the best possible medical care for all injured. I have instructed the Mayor of Cuttack and the MLA of Tangi-Choudwar to go to the site and offer necessary assistance,” Patnaik stated.

Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited SCB Medical College and Hospital to assess the situation. He met with the injured receiving treatment and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased patients. He also ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragic incident and promised strict actions against any negligence leading to this event, which resulted in the deaths of ten patients and serious injuries to several others.

Reports indicate that the significant fire erupted in the ICU of the Trauma Care Center at SCB Medical College due to a suspected electrical short circuit between 2:30 AM and 3 AM on Monday. Seven critically injured patients died instantly, while three others succumbed after being moved to different ICUs.