Tragic Fire at Odisha Hospital Claims Lives of 10 Patients

A tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has led to the deaths of ten patients, shocking the state. The incident occurred in the trauma care ICU, where many patients were critically ill. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, created chaos and delayed rescue efforts. The Chief Minister has announced compensation for the victims' families and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. This event raises serious concerns about fire safety protocols in hospitals, prompting the government to initiate immediate relief efforts and safety audits across the state. Families of the victims are demanding accountability and justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 11:00 IST

Devastating Incident at SCB Medical College

A catastrophic fire broke out early Monday morning in the trauma care ICU of the renowned SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least ten patients. This heartbreaking incident has left the entire state in shock, particularly as many of the patients were critically ill and reliant on ventilators and oxygen support. The blaze ignited between 2:30 and 3:00 AM, leading to chaos in the smoke-filled ward and delaying rescue efforts for several patients.

Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the site and confirmed the incident, stating that there were 23 patients in the trauma care ICU at the time, with seven dying inside the unit and three others succumbing to burns or asphyxiation while being moved to other wards. A total of ten fatalities have been reported, and eleven hospital staff members suffered burns, with five in critical condition.

The Chief Minister expressed his sorrow, saying, "This is a very tragic event. The fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit. We have announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased. The state government will cover the full medical expenses for the injured." He has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and directed a review of safety standards at the hospital.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started on the first floor in the trauma care unit due to a short circuit involving electrical equipment. The smoke was so dense that many patients could not be disconnected from their ventilators, leading to fatalities from suffocation. Firefighters arrived with 8-10 vehicles to extinguish the flames, but by then, it was too late. Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, risked their lives to evacuate patients, but many were already in critical condition and could not be saved.

SCB Medical College is the largest and most prominent government hospital in Odisha, treating thousands of patients daily. This incident raises serious concerns about fire safety and electrical systems in hospitals. Experts warn that the lack of backup power, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems in sensitive areas like ICUs can lead to such tragedies.

Grief and anger permeate the families of the victims, with many gathering outside the hospital in distress, demanding strict action from the government. One relative lamented, "Our loved ones were already in critical condition, but the fire has taken everything from us."

The Odisha government has initiated immediate relief efforts. The Chief Minister stated that alternative arrangements have been made at the hospital, and all patients are being relocated to safer areas. Instructions have also been issued for fire safety audits across hospitals in the state.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of several past fires in Odisha's hospitals, where negligence of safety standards has had dire consequences for patients.