Bhubaneswar, April 13: A judicial inquiry into the devastating fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital has officially commenced, marking a crucial step in uncovering the circumstances behind the tragic incident in Odisha.
According to reports, a retired High Court judge has been appointed to head the probe. The inquiry team reached the SCB Medical College campus in Cuttack on Monday morning and began questioning staff and officials at the office of the Medical College Principal. The panel is expected to examine safety protocols, response mechanisms, and possible lapses that led to the disaster.
The fire, which broke out on March 16 in the Trauma Care ICU, claimed the lives of 12 patients, triggering widespread concern over hospital safety standards. Following the incident, the state government ordered a judicial inquiry, while a fact-finding team led by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh had earlier visited the site to assess the cause.
Based on preliminary findings indicating negligence, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered the suspension of four officials.
The inquiry is expected to fix accountability and recommend measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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