Cuttack, March 18: In a tragic turn of events, a 20-year-old youth who had survived the recent fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack later succumbed, leaving behind a heart-wrenching story of courage and loss.

The deceased, identified as Pabitra Disari of Pandasaguda village under Borigumma block in Koraput district, had been battling for life following a severe road accident that left his right leg critically damaged. Belonging to a poor family, Pabitra was initially admitted to Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College in Koraput and later shifted to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and AIIMS Bhubaneswar. However, he was reportedly referred back from these hospitals.

With all hopes fading, he was finally admitted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack, where Dr. Suresh Jhankar took charge of his treatment. Despite his critical condition, with hemoglobin levels dropping to 3, the doctor arranged blood and successfully conducted surgery, including the transplantation of an artificial leg.

Following the operation, Pabitra was kept in the ICU. However, on the same night, a major fire broke out in the ICU due to an alleged electrical short circuit, claiming multiple lives.

In a remarkable act of bravery, Pabitra managed to escape the blaze by breaking the ICU glass with his left leg, fighting against all odds to survive. He later recounted the incident when Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital.

Despite surviving the fire, Pabitra’s condition deteriorated, and he eventually passed away, shocking doctors and locals alike.

His body was brought back to his native village, where a pall of gloom descended. Family members, especially his mother, were seen wailing inconsolably, as the village mourned the untimely death of the young survivor.