SUM Hospital Fire Mishap Update: 20 Died, 106 Undergoing Treatment

Bhubaneswar: At least 20 persons died after a major fire broke out in the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening, said an official.

“14 were declared brought dead at the Capital hospital and five succumbed to injuries at the AMRI hospital. The patients might have died on the way to other hospitals. We are inquiring into the matter. We will also find out whether any patient died in SUM hospital,” said health secretary Arti Ahuja.

One patient died at AIIMS here on Tuesday morning, confirmed AIMS director.

Besides, total 106 persons are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the city, she added.

Ahuja on Tuesday morning visited the SUM hospital and inquired about the circumstances which led to the major fire in dialysis ward.

“Post-mortem of all the 19 persons has been completed at the Capital Hospital. The doctors conducted the autopsy throughout the night. Besides, vehicles have been provided to family members of the deceased persons to take the bodies back home,” said Ahuja.

“The ICU, dialysis and emergency units of the Sum Hospital have been sealed for investigation,” she added.

Health Secretary informed vehicles are being provided to family members of deceased to take the bodies back home.

Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the government would take action against the persons guilty.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking action in the incident and compensation to the injured and deceased.

Human rights activist Subash Mohapatra, who filed the petition, sought the NHRC to direct the state government to conduct an impartial inquiry into the matter and submit the report within a week.

Direct the state government to immediately suspend the DMET and Health Secretary for their alleged role in evidence tampering and allowing the corporate to run the hospital illegally, he added.

He also urged to pay an interim compensation of Rs. 25 lakh each next of the kin of the victims and Rs 10 lakh to all injured.