Fire Breaks Out at Cuttack Nursing Home: 45 Patients Rescued

A fire erupted in a Cuttack city nursing home in Odisha, resulting in the safe evacuation of 45 patients. The blaze, likely caused by an electrical short-circuit, was controlled after two hours. Officials and the Health Minister have promised thorough investigations and strict enforcement of fire safety regulations.

A fire broke out at a private nursing home in Cuttack city, Odisha, on Saturday evening, officials reported.

The fire ignited on the third floor of the nursing home, close to the Purighat police station, around 3.30 pm, according to sources.

Three fire tenders were deployed to extinguish the blaze, which took nearly two hours to control, they noted.

All 45 patients were safely evacuated from the hospital. Seventeen individuals were admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, 17 children were sent to Sishu Bhawan, and 11 others were transferred to various private hospitals, officials added.

Assistant Fire Service Officer Sanjeeb Behera stated, ''We initially rescued around 10 patients from the ICU before saving the newborns. Subsequently, we managed the flames and dealt with the smoke.''

The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit, though the precise cause will be determined after a detailed investigation, officials stated.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced, ''I have directed the DG of Fire Services to investigate the incident. Further action will be based on the report.'' Expressing concern, Chief Minister Mahon Charan Majhi instructed the Fire Services to enforce strict fire safety protocols, as per an official communiqué.

Majhi termed it an unfortunate incident and emphasized the need for vigilance by organizations responsible for saving lives.

He assured that the state government would cover all medical expenses for the patients.

(With inputs from agencies.)