"At least 10 people have been killed in a fire that broke out in the trauma care unit of a hospital in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, officials say. The fire, which started early on Monday on the first floor of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in the city of Cuttack, was likely caused by a short circuit, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told reporters after visiting the hospital."
"Medical staff and security personnel risked their lives in rescuing the patients, Majhi said. During this, they too sustained injuries, and they too are under treatment. Twenty-three patients had been receiving medical care in the intensive care unit and 10 of them died while being shifted to a safer area away from the fire."
"Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and a routine disregard for safety regulations. Electrical short circuits, often caused by poorly maintained wiring, remain the leading cause of fires."
A fire broke out in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, killing at least 10 patients and injuring 11 staff members who attempted rescues. The fire, starting early Monday on the first floor, was likely caused by a short circuit. Medical staff and security personnel risked their lives evacuating patients to safer areas. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a judicial inquiry and promised strict action against those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced compensation of $2,160 to affected families. Building fires remain common in India due to inadequate firefighting equipment, poor safety regulation enforcement, and deteriorated electrical infrastructure.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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