10 Patients Killed in Fire at SCB Medical College Trauma ICU in Cuttack; Judicial Probe Ordered

Bhubaneswar, March 2026: In a tragic incident, at least 10 patients lost their lives and several others sustained serious burn injuries after a major fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital during the early hours of Monday.

According to sources, the fire reportedly started between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., with preliminary indications suggesting that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. The flames quickly spread through parts of the trauma care facility, affecting the ICU and nearby wards where several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment.

After visiting the hospital and meeting the injured patients, Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased patients. The Chief Minister also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and assured that strict action would be taken if negligence is found to have caused the fire.

Speaking to reporters, Majhi said that the blaze originated in the trauma care ICU and affected patients receiving treatment in that unit as well as those in an adjoining ICU and ward. “A few hours ago, a major fire broke out in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. Patients admitted in the Trauma Care ICU, a neighbouring ICU, and a ward were affected by the incident,” he said.

He explained that 23 patients who were undergoing treatment on the first floor of the trauma care ICU were quickly shifted to safer locations after the fire was detected. However, seven critically ill patients died during the evacuation process, while three others succumbed after being transferred to other intensive care units within the hospital.

“It is extremely unfortunate,” the Chief Minister said, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed to Lord Jagannath for the speedy recovery of those who were injured in the incident.

Majhi also directed the state’s Health Department to ensure that all injured patients receive the best possible medical treatment. Several victims who sustained serious burn injuries and smoke inhalation are currently undergoing treatment in other ICUs and hospital wards.

The Chief Minister also praised the courage of hospital staff members who risked their lives during the rescue operation. According to officials, at least 11 hospital personnel, including security staff, played a crucial role in evacuating patients from the burning building. Many of them suffered injuries due to smoke inhalation and exposure to flames but are now reported to be stable and receiving treatment on the ground floor of the hospital.

Highlighting the importance of hospital safety, Majhi said that after his government came to power, he had already instructed departments to review fire safety measures in hospitals across the state. In the state budget for 2025–26, the government allocated ₹320 crore to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in medical institutions.

He added that an additional ₹400 crore has been earmarked in the 2026–27 financial year to further enhance fire safety systems in hospitals throughout the state.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to install advanced fire detection and suppression systems in healthcare facilities to prevent such incidents in the future. He instructed Sudhanshu Sarangi to personally inspect fire safety arrangements at SCB Medical College and ensure full compliance with safety standards.

Majhi reiterated that a judicial inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire. “If the investigation reveals that negligence led to the incident, the government will take strict action based on the findings of the inquiry report,” he said.

PM Modi expresses grief, announces financial assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X, he said the mishap at the hospital in Cuttack was deeply painful and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. “The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” PMO wrote.

The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 as financial assistance.

President expresses condolences

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the tragedy in a post on X. “Deeply distressed by the loss of lives in the tragic fire incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” she wrote.