Panic gripped Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital on Wednesday evening after a fire broke out in the indoor section of the ophthalmology department.
Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze originated from a short circuit in the air-conditioning system of the ward.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported as of this writing. Hospital authorities quickly alerted the fire services, and a team of firefighters reached the spot to bring the flames under control. Patients were swiftly evacuated from the affected area as a precautionary measure.
Visuals from the site showed smoke billowing out of the eye care unit as officials worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining wards.
A senior hospital administrator confirmed that the situation is now under control, and a detailed probe will be initiated to assess the cause and extent of the damage.
The incident has sparked questions about fire safety measures and maintenance protocols in public healthcare facilities across Odisha.
