Fire Tragedy at SCB Medical Hospital Claims Two Lives from Kendrapada District
A devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on Sunday night resulted in the deaths of two patients from Kendrapada district, leaving families shattered and raising serious questions about hospital safety protocols. The victims have been identified as Rabindra Kumar Das, a 38-year-old mason from Narayanpur village, and Meneka Rout, a 62-year-old woman from Sarumuhi village.
Family of Mason Rabindra Kumar Das Left in Despair
Rabindra Kumar Das had been undergoing treatment for spinal cord injuries sustained in a work accident three weeks prior to the fire. His wife, Sasmita Das (33), expressed profound grief upon learning of her husband's tragic demise. "I never thought I would ever have to come across such a tragedy," said a sobbing Sasmita, who now faces the daunting task of raising their four children alone - a 12-year-old son and three minor daughters.
"Last year, my husband started building a house in the village, which he planned to complete this year. He is dead now," added Sasmita, highlighting the family's shattered dreams. The Das family, previously living a content life in Narayanpur village under Angalei gram panchayat, has been plunged into unimaginable sorrow.
Community Mourns Loss of 'Pleasant' Family Man
When Rabindra's body arrived in Narayanpur village on Monday evening, tears flowed freely among relatives and neighbors. Bharat Das (54), a neighbor, remembered Rabindra as "such a pleasant person" who worked diligently as a mason to support his family. "I never saw him angry. He worked as a mason in the village and its nearby areas to look after his wife and four children. Now, the future of his wife and children is at stake," Bharat lamented.
Mangaraj Behera, sarpanch of Angalei gram panchayat, expressed concern that this tragedy might force many patients in the district to seek treatment at private hospitals instead of relying on SCB Medical College and Hospital, which has been a primary healthcare destination for the region.
Second Victim Meneka Rout Dies Despite Son's Rescue Attempt
Meneka Rout, mother of four sons and a daughter, was undergoing treatment for head injuries in the trauma care unit when the fire broke out. Her son, Iswar Rout (40), described the harrowing moments when he tried unsuccessfully to save his mother. "I was taking rest at hospital when I heard about the fire early on Sunday and tried to enter the room to save my mother," Iswar recalled in a choked voice.
Security guards prevented Iswar from reaching his mother's bed, and fire brigade personnel arrived approximately 60 minutes after the incident began. "My mother was burnt alive in the fire tragedy due to gross negligence on the part of the hospital authorities," Iswar alleged, calling for stern action against responsible officials.
Hospital Safety Under Scrutiny After Fatal Incident
The dual tragedies have sparked outrage and concern about hospital safety standards in Odisha's premier medical facility. Both families have highlighted what they perceive as systemic failures that contributed to the loss of their loved ones. The incident raises critical questions about:
- Emergency response protocols at major hospitals
- Fire safety measures in healthcare facilities
- Patient evacuation procedures during crises
- Accountability mechanisms for hospital administrations
As investigations into the fire continue, the Kendrapada community mourns the loss of two of its members while demanding answers and accountability from hospital authorities and government officials. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities patients face even in supposedly secure medical environments.
