Cuttack, April 13: As the tragic fire incident in the Trauma ICU of SCB Medical College nears one month, a judicial inquiry into the mishap has formally begun. A team led by retired judge Laxmidhar Biswal has reached the hospital and initiated the probe. The team is currently questioning nurses and other staff members to ascertain the cause of the fire.
The incident had occurred on March 16, when a blaze broke out in the ICU located on the first floor of the Trauma building. The ICU was completely gutted in the fire, while thick smoke engulfed the nearby Operation Theatre (OT). Though the OT escaped major damage, it has remained non-operational since the day of the incident.
As many as 12 patients lost their lives in the tragedy, triggering widespread concern. In response, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had announced a judicial inquiry into the incident. All officials of SCB Medical College have been directed to cooperate fully with the investigation. Authorities have also stated that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for negligence or wrongdoing.
