A major fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning claimed the lives of at least 10 patients and triggered panic among staff and attendants. The blaze reportedly broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU), where several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment.
Officials said the fire started between 2.30 a.m. and 3 a.m., quickly filling the ICU with thick smoke and flames. At the time of the incident, around 23 patients were admitted to the ward. Hospital staff and emergency responders rushed to evacuate patients, but the dense smoke and the critical condition of many patients made the rescue operation difficult.
Seven patients died at the scene due to burns and suffocation, while three others later succumbed to injuries and smoke inhalation during evacuation and treatment. Several hospital staff members were also injured while attempting to rescue the patients from the affected ward.
Fire service teams arrived at the hospital with multiple fire engines and managed to bring the blaze under control after an intense firefighting operation. Patients from the affected unit were immediately shifted to other wards to continue their treatment.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, possibly linked to air-conditioning equipment or other electrical installations in the ICU. However, authorities said the exact cause of the incident will only be confirmed after a detailed investigation.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital following the tragedy to assess the situation. He announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased and assured that the injured patients would receive proper medical care.
The Chief Minister has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety measures.
SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government healthcare institutions in Odisha, serving thousands of patients daily. The tragic incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety systems and emergency preparedness in hospitals across the state.
