Cuttack, March 16: Ten people were killed in the devastating fire that broke out at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack late Sunday night. Several others sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. The identities of all the deceased have been confirmed.

Following the incident, the Fire Services Department launched an investigation, while an eight-member expert committee began inspecting the Trauma Casualty area to determine the cause of the blaze. Though eyewitnesses suspect a short circuit, officials have not yet confirmed the exact reason.

Fire Services DG Sudhanshu Sarangi visited the spot and held discussions with SCB authorities. However, he refrained from commenting on the cause as the state government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital along with senior officials, reviewed the situation and met the families of the victims. He directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured and announced ₹25 lakh compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for each deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy and announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.