Bhubaneswar, Oct 5 (IANS): A pregnant woman died while being shifted to a government-run hospital in Odisha's Baripada as the ambulance she was in allegedly ran out of fuel.

The ambulance shifting the woman to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital (PRMMCH) in Baripada reportedly ran out of fuel midway on Friday night.

Tulsi Munda, wife of Chittaranjan Munda of Handa village, complained of labour pain on Friday night following which she was admitted to the Bangiriposhi Community Health Centre. However, the doctors there referred her to PRMMCH as her condition was critical.

While she was being shifted in an ambulance, the vehicle ran out of fuel on the outskirts of Baripada town. Another ambulance reached the spot after 45 minutes. In the meantime, the woman died.

"The ambulance ran out of fuel midway after which the ASHA worker dialled for another ambulance. By the time it arrived, almost an hour had passed by. When we reached the hospital, the doctors declared my wife brought dead," said Chittaranjan Munda.

"I came to know about the unfortunate incident today. According to the driver of the ambulance, the oil pipe of the vehicle leaked midway to the hospital. However, I will conduct an inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action," said Pradip Kumar Mohapatra, Chief District Medical Officer, Mayurbhanj.