A tragic fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack claimed the lives of at least 10 patients early on March 16, 2026, after flames broke out in the hospital’s Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The fire reportedly started around 3:00 AM on the first floor of the trauma care centre of the state-run hospital, triggering panic among patients, hospital staff, and attendants present inside the facility.

According to officials, most of the victims were patients admitted to the Trauma Care ICU, where several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment at the time of the incident.

Fire Breaks Out in ICU Area

The blaze erupted suddenly in the ICU section of SCB Medical College and Hospital, quickly spreading to adjoining wards and areas.

Initial reports suggested that the fire may have been caused by a suspected short circuit, although authorities have said that the exact cause will only be confirmed after a detailed investigation.

Hospital fire safety systems were activated immediately after the outbreak, and emergency response teams began efforts to control the situation.

Rescue Operations and Injuries

As the fire spread, firefighters, hospital staff, police personnel, and attendants worked together to rescue patients from the affected wards.

Three fire tenders were dispatched to the hospital to contain the blaze.

During the rescue operation:

• 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while trying to evacuate patients.

• 23 patients were shifted to safer departments inside the hospital.

• Critically ill patients were transferred to the New Medicine ICU for continued treatment.

Despite these efforts, several patients succumbed while being shifted from the ICU to other wards.

Death Toll and Victims

According to Mohan Charan Majhi, a total of 10 patients lost their lives in the incident.

He stated that:

• Seven patients died during the evacuation process while being shifted to other ICUs or wards.

• Three more patients died later due to the impact of the fire and smoke inhalation.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about safety infrastructure in hospitals, especially in critical care units where patients are often unable to move without assistance.

Odisha Chief Minister Visits Hospital

Soon after receiving news of the fire, Mohan Charan Majhi rushed to the hospital along with Mukesh Mahaling to assess the situation.

The Chief Minister visited the affected wards, interacted with injured patients, and met with families of those affected.

During his visit, he reviewed rescue operations and directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for all injured patients.

He also ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire.

Compensation for Victims

The Odisha government announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the next of kin of each deceased patient.

The state administration has also assured support for medical treatment of those injured in the incident.

Senior administrative officials present at the site included:

• The state Health Secretary

• The District Collector of Cuttack

• The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)

Authorities have launched a comprehensive inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess whether any safety lapses occurred.

President and Prime Minister Express Grief

India’s President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragedy.

In a message posted on social media, she conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident.

The Prime Minister announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF):

• ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim

• ₹50,000 for those injured

He described the hospital fire as deeply painful and extended condolences to the affected families.

Concerns Over Hospital Safety

The tragic incident has raised serious questions about fire safety measures in hospitals, particularly in critical care facilities like ICUs.

Hospitals typically contain numerous electrical devices, oxygen pipelines, and medical equipment, which can increase the risk of fire if proper safety protocols are not maintained.

Experts often emphasise the importance of:

• Regular fire safety audits

• Functional fire alarms and sprinklers

• Emergency evacuation drills

• Dedicated fire safety teams

Authorities are expected to review safety protocols at SCB Medical College and Hospital following the incident.

A Major Medical Institution in Odisha

Located in Cuttack, SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest and most prominent government hospitals in Odisha.

The hospital serves thousands of patients from across the state and neighbouring regions, offering advanced medical facilities including trauma care and critical care units.

Given its importance as a major referral hospital, the incident has shocked residents and healthcare professionals alike.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have begun a detailed investigation to determine:

• The exact cause of the fire

• Whether electrical faults triggered the incident

• Possible lapses in safety protocols

• The effectiveness of the hospital’s fire response systems

Meanwhile, rescue and relief operations continued at the hospital as officials worked to stabilise patients and restore normal medical services.

The tragedy has left the region in mourning and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen fire safety standards in healthcare facilities across the country.

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