Bhubaneswar: The 15-year-old girl, who was allegedly set ablaze by three bike-borne miscreants in Puri district on Saturday, was airlifted to Delhi airport on Sunday afternoon, from where she was taken to AIIMS Delhi for further treatment.After receiving the green light from Odisha govt, authorities at AIIMS Bhubaneswar spoke to their Delhi counterparts and prepared to airlift the girl. AIIMS Bhubaneswar executive director Ashutosh Biswas said it was safe to transfer the girl, who had sustained 70-75% burn injuries, via air ambulance after finding a little improvement in her vital health parameters.“The patient’s condition is stable. Her blood pressure, which was low on Saturday, improved on Sunday. AIIMS Delhi is definitely one of the best hospitals in the country and she will get better treatment there,” said Biswas.The girl was taken in a life support ambulance at 12.32pm from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Biju Patnaik International Airport. The air ambulance took off at 1.30 pm.DCP (traffic) Tapan Mohanty said they created a green corridor to take the patient to the airport in 10 minutes. “We piloted the ambulance to the airport safely via Fire Station Square and OUAT Square,” Mohanty said. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had told the media on Saturday evening the girl could be airlifted to AIIMS Delhi if the situation demanded.“The girl has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for the best possible treatment. The state govt will ensure all necessary facilities for this. Personally, I am praying to Lord Jagannath for the girl’s swift recovery,” Majhi said on Sunday.On Saturday, the girl was admitted in ICU with oxygen support but was not put on ventilator. Doctors observed her closely and monitored her vitals, cardiac problems and respiratory system. She was conscious and speaking.“Patient was received at AIIMS Delhi at 4.20pm. She is currently admitted to the ICU in the burns and plastic surgery block. Her condition is critical, and she is on oxygen support. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition,” said Dr Rima Dada, professor in-charge, media cell, AIIMS Delhi.The girl, a Class IX dropout, was walking to a relative’s house on the village’s outskirts, 1km from her home, when the assailants allegedly waylaid the girl, knocked her unconscious, doused her in petrol and set her ablaze around 8.30am on Saturday. When the girl started screaming, the miscreants fled. She ran towards a house and asked for help. The occupants of the house doused the fire and gave her new clothes. Later, police and family members took the girl to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
