A devastating overnight fire at a hospital in India has left at least 10 people dead and more than a dozen others injured, according to officials.
The blaze broke out around 2:30 a.m. on March 16 inside the trauma ICU at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, located in the eastern state of Odisha.
Most of the victims were patients receiving treatment at the time, authorities said.
As flames spread through the unit, chaos erupted inside the hospital. Staff members rushed to evacuate patients, moving at least 23 people out of the trauma care ward and nearby areas that were also affected.
But the rescue effort came at a cost.
At least 11 hospital workers, including security personnel, suffered burns while trying to save patients and are now receiving treatment.
Officials say several patients died during the frantic evacuation, while others passed away later as they were being treated for their injuries.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though a full investigation is now underway.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital shortly after the tragedy and called for an immediate response, including emergency medical care for survivors and a high-level inquiry into what went wrong.
He also announced financial compensation for the families of those who died.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly spoke with Majhi following the incident to receive updates on the situation, including rescue efforts and ongoing medical care.
Officials say multiple departments are now working together as the hospital deals with the aftermath of the deadly fire.
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