A youth from Kendrapara allegedly died after the private ambulance carrying him to a hospital in Bhubaneswar ran out of fuel midway near Kathajodi bridge, family members claimed on Friday.

According to the family, the youth had consumed poison and was initially admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

Family members said a private ambulance was arranged to shift the patient from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar. However, while crossing the Kathajodi river bridge, the ambulance allegedly came to a halt after running out of fuel midway.

Family alleges oxygen support also stopped

The family alleged that the ambulance remained stranded on the bridge for a considerable period, during which the patient’s condition worsened.

They further claimed that the oxygen support inside the ambulance had also stopped after the vehicle ran out of fuel, leaving the patient without emergency medical assistance during the transfer.

According to the family members, despite repeated pleas, no immediate alternative arrangement could be made, and the youth died shortly after.

The allegations have triggered outrage among relatives, who accused the private ambulance service of gross negligence during the emergency transfer of a critically ill patient.

Questions raised over emergency ambulance services

The incident has raised serious questions over the functioning and preparedness of private ambulance services operating in critical medical emergencies.

Relatives alleged that basic checks, including fuel availability and oxygen backup, were not ensured before starting the transfer from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar.

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A similar allegation involving oxygen depletion in an ambulance had surfaced in Odisha last year as well, leading to police action against an ambulance driver.  

No official statement has yet been issued regarding the allegations made by the family. Authorities are expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.