Bhubaneswar, Aug 18: A late-night fire broke out at the Nidan Kendra building of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, Ganjam district, sparking panic among staff and patients. 

The incident occurred around 1:30 am on Sunday, when flames erupted inside the biochemistry laboratory located on the ground floor of the building. Within minutes, the fire spread to the main examination hall, damaging vital equipment and chemical stocks stored in the facility.

According to reports, a few staff members present in the vicinity suffered mild suffocation due to gas leakage from an air conditioner, but their condition is now stable. Fortunately, no major casualties were reported.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Firefighters rushed to the spot and battled the flames for over two hours before bringing the situation under control.

Hospital authorities have initiated an assessment of the losses, which are expected to be substantial given the damage to sensitive laboratory equipment. Officials are also probing whether lapses in the temperature monitoring system or maintenance gaps contributed to the fire.

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