Labour Commission starts probe into Hi-Tech tragedy

The Labour Commission on Thursday started an investigation into the tragedy caused by an AC compressor explosion at Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar, in which three of the four critically burnt people died during treatment.    

As per reports, a special team constituted by the Labour Commission visited the Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital and questioned the medical staff about circumstances leading to the tragedy, apart from getting details of the treatment of the burnt victims. 

The team spoke to some experts, doctors, employees and attendants about the accident and their treatment. 

The Labour Commission has warned of stern action if lapses in the safety and treatment of the victims are found during the investigation. 

“If any lapses are detected on the part of the hospital, immediate action would be taken,” said Pranab Patra, Joint commissioner of the Labour Commission.

On the evening of December 29, 2023, AC maintenance work at the hospital was underway when a compressor reportedly exploded. Four people engaged in the work were critically burned and admitted to the same hospital. Three persons have succumbed so far during treatment. 

Also Read: Hi-Tech tragedy: Students' outfit demands hospital owner's arrest, licence cancellation

A controversy also erupted over the identification of the bodies. One of the victims, Dilip Samantaray, was assumed to be dead and a body was handed over to his family for last rites. However, a couple of days later, the incident took a new twist when a patient undergoing treatment in the ICU claimed himself to be Dillp, but he also died later.

The DNA test later confirmed that the identities of the bodies were actually mixed up and a wrong body was handed over to Dilip's family initially.