Udala, August 5: A major tragedy was narrowly averted after a portion of the false ceiling collapsed in the maternity ward of Udala Medical on Wednesday, leaving a new mother injured but sparing her newborn baby.

According to reports, the incident occurred when Sanjulata Patra, who had recently delivered a baby, was sitting on her hospital bed with the newborn in her arms. Suddenly, a section of the ceiling gave way and fell on her back. Fortunately, the infant escaped unhurt.

Another person, the husband of a woman admitted to the maternity ward, was also struck by debris while entering the ward during the incident.

Preliminary information suggests that continuous water seepage from the roof had weakened the false ceiling, causing it to collapse. Water reportedly poured into the ward along with the debris.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the condition of the hospital building and the safety of patients admitted to the maternity ward. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident or the steps being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.