10 Patients Killed in ICU Fire at SCB Medical College Hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack !
Prime Vista News
A fire in the Trauma Care ICU at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, killed 10 patients and injured 11 hospital staff during rescue efforts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a judicial probe as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for victims’ families.
Cuttack, Odisha:
A devastating fire that broke out in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack claimed the lives of at least ten patients in the early hours of Monday, triggering widespread concern over safety standards in government-run healthcare facilities.
The blaze erupted between 2:30 am and 3:00 am, filling the ICU with thick smoke and forcing hospital staff, firefighters, police personnel and patients’ relatives to rush into a frantic rescue operation. According to officials, several critically ill patients could not be saved despite immediate evacuation attempts.
Confirming the casualties, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said ten patients died in the incident, while several others suffered burn injuries and suffocation during evacuation.
Rescue Efforts Leave Hospital Staff Injured
The chief minister, who visited the hospital shortly after the incident, said that around 11 hospital staff members sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue patients trapped in the ICU.
Medical officials said the injured staff members had entered the smoke-filled ward to evacuate patients who were undergoing treatment in critical condition.
“Eleven medical officials risked their lives during the rescue operation. They are currently undergoing treatment inside the hospital,” Majhi told reporters.
Health department officials confirmed that a total of 23 patients were present in the Trauma Care ICU and adjoining units when the fire broke out.
Seven patients died inside the ICU during the blaze, while three more succumbed to injuries or suffocation during evacuation, bringing the total death toll to ten.
Prime Minister Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
In a statement posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on social media, Modi described the incident as deeply distressing.
“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.”
The prime minister announced that ₹2 lakh ex gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased patient, while those injured would receive ₹50,000 in assistance.
The Odisha government also announced additional compensation for victims.
Odisha Government Announces ₹25 Lakh Compensation
Chief Minister Majhi said the state government would provide ₹25 lakh as ex gratia to the families of each deceased patient.
He also assured that the injured patients and staff members would receive complete medical care at government expense.
“We have instructed all concerned departments to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured,” the chief minister said after reviewing the situation at the hospital.
Majhi visited several injured individuals admitted in different wards and interacted with doctors supervising their treatment.
Fire Suspected to Have Been Caused by Short Circuit
Preliminary information suggests that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit in electrical equipment inside the ICU, though officials said the exact cause would only be confirmed after a detailed investigation.
“The fire probably originated due to an electrical short circuit,” the chief minister said.
Hospital authorities noted that the ICU housed several life-support systems and electronic medical devices, which could have contributed to the rapid spread of smoke.
Eyewitnesses said the ward filled with dense smoke within minutes of the fire starting.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Panic Inside ICU
One eyewitness present at the hospital during the incident said the power supply was disrupted shortly before the fire broke out.
According to the witness, electricity tripped twice before flames and smoke began spreading inside the ICU.
“I called the fire brigade immediately, but it took around 20 minutes for them to reach the hospital,” the eyewitness said.
During that time, relatives of patients and hospital staff began evacuating patients on their own.
Another witness said he smashed a window and used water to control the flames until firefighters arrived.
“With guidance from a hospital nurse, I switched off electrical equipment and helped move several critically ill patients out of the ICU,” he said.
Firefighters Bring Blaze Under Control
Fire service teams arrived shortly after receiving the emergency call and managed to extinguish the blaze.
Officials said firefighters worked alongside hospital staff and attendants to evacuate patients from the ICU and transfer them to other departments of the hospital.
The rapid evacuation likely prevented an even larger tragedy, authorities said.
However, the smoke and heat inside the ICU proved fatal for several patients who were already in critical condition.
Judicial Probe Ordered
Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Majhi ordered a judicial inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess whether any negligence was involved.
He also directed the Director General of the Fire Service to personally inspect the hospital’s safety measures and submit a report.
“I have instructed the Fire Service DG to visit the hospital and ensure strict compliance with fire safety norms,” the chief minister said.
Majhi warned that strict action would be taken if anyone is found responsible for lapses that contributed to the incident.
Fire Safety Measures Under Review
The Odisha government said it had already been working to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in public hospitals across the state.
According to the chief minister, the state budget for 2025–26 allocated ₹320 crore to improve fire safety preparedness in medical institutions.
An additional ₹400 crore has been earmarked in the upcoming 2026–27 budget to further upgrade firefighting equipment and safety systems in government hospitals.
Authorities said installations of fire safety equipment in healthcare facilities are currently underway on a priority basis.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
Several political leaders expressed grief over the tragedy.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives.
He said patients had been shifted to safe areas and that medical treatment was continuing for those injured.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic incident,” the governor said.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also expressed condolences over the deaths and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
According to his office, Patnaik is expected to visit the hospital to meet victims and review the situation.
Questions Over Hospital Safety
The incident has once again drawn attention to fire safety preparedness in hospitals, particularly in critical care units where electrical equipment operates continuously.
Safety experts say ICUs are especially vulnerable because they contain numerous medical devices connected to electrical power.
The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter inspections, emergency preparedness drills, and modern fire detection systems in medical facilities.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are now collecting evidence and examining electrical installations inside the ICU to determine the exact cause of the fire.
For families who lost loved ones in the incident, the focus remains on accountability and ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again.
Meanwhile, doctors at SCB Medical College Hospital continue treating the injured while officials assess the full extent of the damage caused by the fire.
