Odisha hospital fire toll 19

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: Odhisha health authorities on Tuesday confirmed that the toll of a major fire at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar was 19.

On Monday night, the state government announced that 22 persons were killed due to the fire that broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the dialysis ward earlier in the evening.

"Fourteen persons were declared dead at the Capital Hospital and five succumbed to injuries at the AMRI Hospital. A total of 106 others were undergoing treatment for injuries," said Health Secretary Arti Ahuja.

Ahuja on Tuesday morning visited the SUM hospital and inquired about the circumstances which led to the major blaze.

"Post-mortem of all the 19 persons has been completed. The doctors conducted the autopsy throughout the night. Vehicles were provided to family members of the deceased persons to take the bodies back home," said Ahuja.

"The ICU, dialysis and emergency units have been sealed for investigation," she added.

Fire service sources said the blaze originated around 7.30 p.m. apparently due to an electric short circuit.