New Delhi [India], March 16 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday expressed grief over the fire mishap at a hospital in Odisha's Cuttack, which resulted in the death of 10 people and left at least 11 staff members injured.
The incident occurred at the SCB Medical College and Hospital's Trauma Care ICU centre in Cuttack on early hour on Monday.
Sharing a post on X, Rajnath wrote, "The fire mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected."
https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2033466775325880452
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the mishap at the hospital was "painful" and offered condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.
Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, the PMO also announced "an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Expressing deep grief over the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.
He later visited the site and directed authorities to ensure the safe relocation of all patients.
Earlier, local corporator Deepak Kumar Das told ANI that the incident occurred between 2:00 am and 2:30 am.
Das added, "We came to know at 3 am that. So, I reached the hospital. The incident occurred around 2-2.30 am. It was raining at that time. As per the information available to me, a short circuit had occurred there, which led to this mishap...An inquiry will reveal whether the incident occurred due to an old AC or if there was another reason behind this."