Patient dies after 108 ambulance catches fire in Odisha’s Balasore
By Sudam Patra
Balasore, Sept. 11: A patient being shifted to a district hospital died after the 108 ambulance carrying him reportedly developed a technical snag and caught fire near Jalanga Square in Odisha’s Balasore district, officials said.
The incident occurred while the patient, who had suffered an electric shock, was being taken from the Khaira Community Health Centre to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital after his condition deteriorated.
According to reports, the man, a resident of Turanipada village under Khaira police station, was initially admitted to the Khaira CHC after his family members rescued him following the electric shock.
Doctors later advised that he be shifted to the Bhadrak district headquarters hospital for specialised treatment.
The 108 ambulance carrying the patient reportedly developed a mechanical problem near Jalanga Square. Smoke began billowing from the engine, following which the driver stopped the vehicle and alerted the emergency ambulance service for another vehicle.
The replacement ambulance, however, reportedly took some time to reach the spot. By the time it arrived, the patient had died.
The incident led to tension in the area, with local residents reportedly expressing anger over the delay in arranging another ambulance.
On receiving information, Simulia police reached the spot and tried to pacify the agitated locals.
Authorities are yet to establish whether the patient’s death was directly linked to the delay caused by the ambulance breakdown. The exact cause of the vehicle catching fire and the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death are also awaited.
