Cuttack: A 27-year-old patient died after the ambulance carrying him from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar allegedly ran out of fuel midway on the Kathajodi river bridge on Friday, triggering outrage among the deceased’s family members and locals.
The deceased was identified as Prakash Kumar Tandi of Kendrapara district.
According to family members, Prakash had allegedly consumed poison and was initially admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after his condition turned critical. Doctors later referred him to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
The family alleged that while the patient was being shifted in a private ambulance, the vehicle suddenly stopped on the Kathajodi bridge after running out of petrol. They further claimed that the ambulance’s oxygen supply had also been exhausted during the journey.
Prakash’s condition reportedly deteriorated during the delay, and he died shortly afterwards, the family alleged.
The incident sparked anger among locals and relatives, who questioned the functioning and preparedness of private ambulance services during medical emergencies.
No official statement had been issued by the authorities or the ambulance operator on the incident till the filing of this report.
