Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Cuttack Medical Facility
Fire Incident at SCB Medical College
On Monday, a devastating fire erupted in the trauma care intensive care unit of Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, resulting in the deaths of ten patients and injuries to several others, as reported by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi.
The blaze was first detected around 3 AM, with preliminary investigations suggesting that a short circuit might have caused the fire, although this has yet to be confirmed.
At the time of the incident, approximately 23 patients were being treated in the trauma ICU and a nearby intensive care unit. Many of these patients were reliant on ventilators and oxygen support, complicating evacuation efforts as the fire broke out.
During the rescue operation, seven patients succumbed while being moved, and three others later died in the hospital.
In addition, eleven hospital staff members, including private security personnel who assisted in the rescue, suffered injuries from smoke and flames and are currently receiving medical care.
Firefighters from both the college's unit and the Cuttack Fire Station responded promptly, deploying three fire tenders and over 30 personnel to manage the situation and aid in rescues.
SCB Medical College and Hospital stands as the largest government healthcare institution in Odisha.
In response to this tragedy, Chief Minister Majhi announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and has called for a judicial inquiry into the incident.
#WATCH | Cuttack: 10 people died in the fire in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi says, "...The fire broke out probably due to a short circuit. 23 patients were under treatment at the trauma ICU, the ICU adjacent to… https://t.co/0l3TrFlra5 pic.twitter.com/WpAunajOok