New Delhi, March 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed distress over the loss of lives in the tragic Cuttack hospital fire incident in Odisha and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a major fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital. According to reports, at least 10 patients lost their lives, while several others suffered serious burn injuries in the blaze.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

It further added that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, the injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

The raging blaze erupted at around 2.30 a.m. to 3 a.m. due to a suspected electric short circuit.

After meeting the injured patients at the hospital and reviewing the situation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the family members of the deceased patients.

He also ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragic incident and assured stringent action against anyone found guilty of negligence in duty leading to the inferno.

Speaking to media persons, CM Majhi said, "A few hours ago, a major fire broke out in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. As a result, the patients undergoing treatment in the Trauma Care ICU, an adjoining ICU and ward were affected.

"After the fire broke out, 23 patients undergoing treatment on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were shifted to safer locations. Seven critically ill patients died during the shifting process, while three others succumbed after being moved to other ICUs. It is very unfortunate."

He offered condolences to the family members of deceased patients and offered his prayers to Lord Jagannath for the speedy recovery of injured patients. Majhi also informed that he had instructed the Health Department to ensure advanced treatment for those who sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in other ICUs and wards.

The Chief Minister further noted that as many as 11 hospital staff members, including security personnel, risked their lives to help rescue patients. Many of them also sustained injuries due to smoke inhalation and flames during the shifting of patients, but they are now stable and undergoing treatment in a ward on the ground floor.

"After our government came to power, I had earlier directed the department to inspect and take action regarding fire safety measures at all hospitals across the state. In the current budget for 2025â??26, we have allocated Rs 320 crore for strengthening fire safety measures, and the work is being carried out on a war footing.

"In the coming financial year 2026â??27, Rs 400 crore has been allocated for this purpose," the Chief Minister said.

Chief Minister Majhi instructed officials of all departments to ensure the installation of advanced fire-extinguishing systems in hospitals across the state.

/IANS