Narendra Modi calls death in hospital fire "mind-numbing"

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight voiced "deep anguish" at the loss of lives in a massive blaze at a hospital in Bhubaneswar, calling it "mind-numbing".

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," Modi said on Twitter.

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

"Spoke to Minister @JPNadda (Health Minister) & asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS. Hope the injured recover quickly.

"Also spoken to Minister @dpradhanbjp and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected," he said in a series of tweets.

At least 17 patients died and around 12 others injured in a fire that broke out at the Sum Hospital here this evening, in one of the worst such incidents involving a medical facility.