Bhubaneswar, March 18 -- The death toll in the fire at the trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital rose to 12 on Tuesday after two more patients, including an 11-year-old, succumbed to injuries. The blaze broke out around 2.30am on Monday, trapping critically ill patients.
A six-member panel is probing the cause, with initial findings pointing to possible electrical faults and major safety lapses, including non-functional sprinklers and disabled fire alarms. Seven patients died at the scene, while three others succumbed to injuries while being shifted to other units. CM Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry. Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik demanded the resignation of minister Mukesh Mahaling.
Published by HT Digital Con...