- 12:50 PM: Authorities confirmed the death of one more patient. The Death toll has now reached to 11.
ODISHA — A devastating fire broke out in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, during the early hours of Monday, leaving at least 10 patients dead and several others in critical condition. The incident occurred inside the Emergency Department of one of the state’s largest government hospitals and triggered a massive emergency response.
Fire Breaks Out in Trauma Care ICU
According to officials, the fire erupted between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM on the first floor of the Emergency Department, specifically in the Trauma Care ICU. The unit housed several critically injured patients who required constant medical supervision and life-support equipment.
Hospital authorities confirmed that 10 patients lost their lives in the tragedy. Among them, seven patients reportedly died inside the ICU due to the fire, while three others succumbed during the emergency evacuation and shifting process as hospital staff rushed to move patients to safer locations.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Soon after the fire was detected, fire service personnel, hospital staff, and police teams launched a rapid rescue operation. Patients from the affected ICU and nearby wards were immediately evacuated.
Many of the injured and critically ill patients were shifted to the New Medicine ICU and other wards within the hospital to continue treatment. Several survivors remain under close medical supervision, with some reported to be in serious condition.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after a brief but intense operation, preventing the flames from spreading to other parts of the hospital building.
Suspected Cause of the Fire
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, possibly originating from the air-conditioning system in the ICU. Officials said a detailed technical inspection will determine the exact cause.
Hospitals often house oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and other electrical medical equipment, making ICUs particularly vulnerable to fire hazards if safety systems fail.
Judicial Inquiry Ordered
Following the tragedy, Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident to determine accountability and prevent similar disasters in the future.
The Chief Minister also directed the Director General of Fire Services to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report at the earliest.
Chief Minister Visits Hospital
Chief Minister Majhi visited SCB Medical College and Hospital soon after the incident, where he reviewed the situation and met with affected families.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, he said:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College. It is a heart-wrenching loss.”
He further added that the government’s immediate priority is to ensure that all injured patients receive the best possible medical care.
Compensation Announced
The state government announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. The Chief Minister declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased patient.
Health Department Review
Senior officials from the state government also visited the hospital to assess the situation. Mukesh Mahaling, the Health Minister of Odisha, inspected the site alongside the Chief Minister and held discussions with hospital authorities.
The Chief Minister’s Office directed the Health Department to ensure immediate and comprehensive medical care for all injured patients and those affected by the incident.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in hospitals, particularly in critical care units where electrical equipment and oxygen supply systems operate continuously.
Authorities said the upcoming investigation will examine fire safety compliance, electrical systems, and emergency preparedness at the hospital.
Further details are expected once the judicial inquiry and fire department investigation reports are submitted.
