Bhubaneshwar:As many as 24 people have been reported killed after a major broke out in the Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

The death toll is expected to rise as more patients were shifted to nearby hospitals in critical conditions. Authorities have launched rescue operations soon after the fire broke out. It is said that the fire was a result of electrical short-circuit, but there is no official confirmation yet.

According to reports, the fire initiated in the dialysis ward on the first floor and spread quickly from there, including the ICU, which is on the same floor. 

Initial reports said nine patients were shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar while 38 were moved to AMRI Hospital. Fifteen more were shifted to Capital Hospital.

As many as 7 fire brigade teams, 16 108 ambulances and PCR vans were pressed at the spot to mobilise rescue operation. The hospital staff also joined them in evacuating the patients. They were engaged in dousing off the fire before it engulfed the entire hospital.