Chaos and Grief Engulf SCB Medical College Mortuary After Fatal Fire
The mortuary at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack descended into chaos as the air was filled with the anguished cries of relatives desperately searching for their loved ones. This heart-wrenching scene unfolded after a devastating fire claimed the lives of 12 patients, with bodies sent for autopsy, leaving families in a state of shock and inconsolable grief.
Families Struggle to Identify Deceased Amidst Overwhelming Sorrow
Hospital authorities had requested relatives to identify the bodies before postmortem procedures, a task that proved emotionally harrowing for many. Pinky Barik, a relative of the deceased Gauranga Charan Barik, expressed her inability to muster the courage to view her brother-in-law's body, relying instead on other family members for identification. The atmosphere was thick with sorrow as people discussed the recovery journeys, educational achievements, and good deeds of the deceased, with some individuals, like a group of middle-aged men, rendered speechless after seeing their brother's body.
Police Deployment and Emergency Responses at the Mortuary
To maintain law and order, heavy police deployment was in place at the mortuary, assisting family members during this traumatic time. In one distressing incident, a person fainted upon finding a relative's body, prompting others to sprinkle water on their face to revive them. Hearse vans and ambulances lined up nearby, waiting to transport the bodies to the deceased's homes, while political leaders and elected representatives visited the area to offer support to grieving kin.
Criticism and Support for Affected Families
Amidst the grief, some relatives criticized hospital authorities for failing to address safety issues in the ICU that led to the tragic deaths. Concurrently, social workers stepped in to provide essential aid, such as food and travel fees, to help families cope with the aftermath. This tragic event has highlighted significant concerns over hospital safety protocols and the profound impact on the community.
