Ten killed in hospital fire in Odisha, India; several injured

NEW DELHI – At least ten critically ill patients lost their lives after a fire broke out early Monday in the trauma care unit of a government-run hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, eastern India, according to officials.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told reporters that the blaze erupted on the first floor of the SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a short circuit in the trauma ICU ward, where patients were being treated. At the time of the incident, 23 patients were present on the affected floor.

"A short circuit caused the fire in the trauma ICU ward where patients were being treated," Majhi stated. He confirmed that ten people died following the incident, while the remaining patients were relocated to other wards for their safety. In addition, at least eleven staff members sustained burn injuries as they attempted to rescue the patients from the fire.

Building fires are a frequent occurrence in India, often attributed to inadequate firefighting equipment and a general disregard for safety regulations. The latest tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about hospital safety standards in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the incident, calling it "deeply painful" in a post on social media. He extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and acknowledged the efforts of those who responded to the emergency.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the condition of the injured staff or the exact timeline of the fire's containment. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in public institutions across India.