Cuttack, March 16 -- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated on Monday that the fire at the SCB Medical College and Hospital's Trauma Care ICU centre was likely triggered by a short circuit.

"Speaking to the media, the Odisha Chief Minister stated that the state has allocated Rs.420 crore for fire safety improvements at the hospital in the current financial year.

He added that an additional Rs.400 crore has been earmarked for the same purpose in the upcoming financial year.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.

"...The fire broke out probably due to a short circuit. 23 patients were under treatment at the trauma ICU, the ICU adjacent to that, and the ward on the first floor. Seven of...