At least 10 patients were killed after a massive fire broke out at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday.
The blaze reportedly started around 3 a.m. in the trauma care ICU, where about 23 patients were undergoing treatment. Thick smoke quickly spread through the ward, causing panic among patients and staff.
According to officials, seven patients initially died in the ward, while three more succumbed after inhaling smoke during rescue operations. Several others, including hospital staff, were injured.
Preliminary reports suggest a short circuit in medical equipment or an air-conditioning unit may have triggered the fire. Fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control, while patients were shifted to other wards.
Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident, raising fresh concerns over fire safety in hospitals.