A tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has left at least 10 patients dead and several hospital staff members injured, triggering shock and grief across the state.
The blaze broke out early Monday morning in the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU), where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. Authorities said the incident unfolded between approximately 2:30 am and 3:00 am, prompting an urgent rescue operation inside one of the state’s largest medical facilities.
Emergency responders and hospital staff rushed to evacuate patients as flames and smoke spread through the ICU area.
Fire Breaks Out in Trauma ICU
According to officials, the fire started in the trauma care ICU of the hospital, an area that houses some of the most critically ill patients.
As the fire intensified, hospital staff attempted to move patients out of the unit to safer wards and other intensive care units. During the chaotic evacuation, several staff members suffered burn injuries while trying to rescue patients.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that medical personnel were hurt during the rescue efforts.
“The staff were injured while rescuing the patients,” the Chief Minister said while speaking to the media.
Multiple fire engines were dispatched to the hospital, and firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the facility.
Patients Die During Evacuation
Officials said many patients were already in critical condition before the fire broke out, making the evacuation process particularly difficult.
During the rescue operation, hospital authorities shifted 23 patients from the affected unit to other departments and ICUs within the hospital.
However, the transfer proved fatal for several patients.
According to the Chief Minister, seven critically ill patients died while being moved to other wards and intensive care units. Three more patients later succumbed to their injuries and medical complications.
The incident has raised serious concerns about emergency preparedness and fire safety measures in major hospitals.
Chief Minister Visits Hospital
Shortly after the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital to assess the situation and meet with medical staff and officials overseeing the rescue operation.
He was accompanied by Odisha’s Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling. The leaders also visited other patients receiving treatment at the hospital to review their condition and ensure that proper medical care was being provided.
During the visit, the Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure that all injured staff members and patients receive immediate and proper treatment.
The state government also announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
₹25 Lakh Compensation Announced
To support the families affected by the tragedy, the Odisha government announced compensation for those who lost their lives in the fire.
Chief Minister Majhi said that the families of the deceased patients will receive ₹25 lakh each as financial assistance.
The government has also assured support for the treatment of injured hospital staff members and other affected individuals.
Officials stated that additional help would be provided if required.
Judicial Probe Ordered
In response to the tragedy, the Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.
The investigation will examine the cause of the fire, possible lapses in safety protocols, and whether the hospital had adequate fire prevention systems in place.
Authorities are expected to review equipment maintenance, emergency response procedures, and overall safety standards within the facility.
The findings of the probe could determine accountability and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Major Hospital Under Scrutiny
The SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government-run medical institutions in eastern India and serves thousands of patients every day from across the state.
Because of its size and importance, the tragedy has sparked widespread concern about hospital safety infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas such as intensive care units.
Experts say hospitals must maintain strict fire safety measures, including functioning alarms, evacuation protocols, and regular emergency drills, especially in critical care units where patients cannot move on their own.
As authorities continue investigating the incident, the focus now remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring that the injured receive proper treatment.
The devastating fire has also renewed calls for stricter safety checks across hospitals nationwide to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
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