SUM tragedy: Death toll reaches 27

Bhubaneswar: Death toll due to the massive blaze at Sum hospital went up to 27 today with one more death at AMRI hospital.

Pirath Singh of Jashipur in Mayurbhanj district succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the private hospital. The 77-year old man was a cardiac patient. The son of the deceased alleged that medical negligence has led to his father’s death.

At least 19 patients undergoing treatment at the SUM Hospital had died due to asphyxiation after massive inferno broke out in the hosptal. The deaths due to asphyxiation were confirmed after post-mortem.

The fire originated from the dialysis ward and spread to the ICU on the the first floor. In the incident, over 100 others sustained injuries and were shifted to various government and private hospitals.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage following which five including owner of the hospital Manoj Nayak and superintendent were arrested.