At least 10 patients died and several hospital staff were injured after a fire broke out in the trauma care ICU of a major government hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning
Cuttack: A fire broke out in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital early on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 patients and injuries to several hospital staff members.
The incident occurred between around 2:30 am and 3:00 am in the intensive care unit where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment.
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Emergency response teams and multiple fire engines rushed to the hospital soon after the blaze was reported. Rescue operations were launched immediately to evacuate patients from the affected ward and shift them to safer areas within the facility. Officials said a total of 23 patients were moved to other departments and intensive care units during the evacuation.
According to authorities, seven critically ill patients died while being shifted from the ICU to other wards, while three more patients later succumbed following the incident. At least 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries during the evacuation efforts while attempting to rescue patients trapped inside the unit.
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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital along with state Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling shortly after the incident to review the situation and meet patients receiving treatment. The chief minister directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and to closely monitor the condition of those who were shifted to other wards.
The state government has announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each of the victims who died in the fire. A judicial probe has also been ordered to investigate the cause of the blaze and determine whether any safety lapses or technical failures contributed to the tragedy. Authorities said rescue operations and assessments at the hospital are continuing as officials work to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Published: 16 Mar 2026, 08:10 am IST
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