Fire Engulfs Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack, Rescue Operation Underway

Cuttack: A massive fire broke out at the Radha Raman Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack leaving several patients trapped inside the building. It is being claimed that the fire erupted due to a short-circuit in the electric panel, which further spread in the building. A police official stated that the fire broke out on the third floor of the nursing home, located near the Purighat police station, around 3.30 pm. 

Three fire tenders were used to douse the blaze and the operation lasted for nearly two hours, they added.

A total of 45 patients were safely rescued from the hospital. Seventeen of them were admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, 17 children were sent to Sishu Bhawan and 11 others shifted to different private hospitals, officials said.

"We first rescued around 10 patients from the ICU and then rescued the newborns. In the meantime, we doused the flames and then dealt with the smoke," said Assistant Fire Service Officer Sanjeeb Behera.

It was suspected that the fire broke out due to an electrical short-circuit, officials said, adding that the exact cause could only be ascertained after an investigation.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, "I have directed the DG of Fire Services to conduct an inquiry into the incident. After getting the report, we will take action." Expressing concern over the incident, Chief Minister Mahon Charan Majhi directed the Fire Services to ensure strict implementation of all the rules related to fire safety, an official statement said.

Majhi described it as an unfortunate incident and said organisations that save people's lives need to be more careful.

He announced that all medical expenses of the patients would be borne by the state government. 

A probe has been launched by the police to ascertain the cause of the fire.