The death toll from a devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack has risen to 12 after two more patients succumbed to their injuries.
The blaze broke out in the hospital's trauma ICU around 2.30am on Monday, where 23 patients were admitted in two rooms.
Many of the victims were critically ill and asleep when the fire started, leaving little time to escape.
Seven patients died on the spot, and three others while being shifted.
Relatives of the victims have alleged lapses in safety measures and delays in emergency response, claiming firefighters reached the hospital about an hour after the blaze.
Officials have revealed that the ICU's automatic sprinkler system failed to activate due to a closed control valve and a switched-off fire alarm system.
A preliminary probe found that the fire originated from two of the ventilators.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety or response.
A six-member committee has also been formed to investigate the cause of the fire and submit its findings within a specified timeframe.
