A devastating fire broke out in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning, leaving 10 patients dead and several hospital staff injured. The tragic incident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am while critically ill patients were undergoing treatment in the ICU.
Fire Breaks Out in Trauma ICU During Early Morning Hours
According to officials, the blaze erupted in the Trauma Care ICU of the government-run hospital, triggering panic inside the facility. Multiple fire engines and emergency response teams rushed to the hospital to control the flames and rescue patients.
At the time of the incident, around 23 patients were admitted in the Trauma Care ICU, along with an adjacent ICU and ward. Authorities confirmed that seven patients died inside the ICU during the fire, while three others succumbed to severe burns or suffocation during evacuation efforts.
Hospital Staff Injured While Rescuing Patients
Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, rushed to the hospital after the incident and confirmed that at least 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while attempting to rescue patients trapped inside the ICU.
The injured staff members reportedly sustained burns while shifting critically ill patients to safer areas as smoke and flames spread across the ward.
Short Circuit Suspected as Cause of Fire
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have originated from a short circuit in the ICU. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the incident.
Chief Minister Majhi stated that the fire started in the ICU of the Trauma Care department, where critically ill patients were receiving treatment at the time.
Judicial Probe Ordered Into the Incident
The Odisha government has ordered a judicial probe into the tragic incident. The Chief Minister also directed the Director General of Fire Services to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report immediately.
Officials said the investigation will examine safety protocols, electrical systems, and emergency response procedures at the hospital.
₹25 Lakh Compensation Announced for Victims’ Families
Expressing deep grief over the loss of lives, the Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the families of each deceased patient.
SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government-run healthcare institutions in Odisha, serving thousands of patients from across the state and neighbouring regions.
