Eight killed in major fire in Odisha hospital

At least eight persons were killed after a major fire broke out in the Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening.

Several persons were injured. Officials at the Capital Hospital here said they have received eight bodies so far.

"I can't tell the exact death toll at the moment. But some hospitals have received death patients from SUM hospital," said Health Secretary Arti Ahuja.

She said a rescue operation had been launched. "We are presently focusing on patient care and rescue," said Ahuja.

She said an inquiry committee has been constituted to inquire into the fire incident and whether the hospital authorities had taken safety measures or not.

An electrical short-circuit is said to have caused the fire in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital's dialysis ward, informed sources said.

About seven fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the fire.

Fire Services officer Binay Behera said firefighters have been engaged to control the fire and carry out rescue operation.

--IANS

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