Cuttack: A devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha claimed the lives of ten patients early Monday morning after flames broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital’s Trauma Care department.
According to officials, the blaze erupted between 2:30 am and 3:00 am while several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment in the ICU. Hospital staff and emergency responders quickly launched rescue efforts, but the intensity of the fire created panic within the facility.
Fire service teams rushed to the hospital and managed to control the flames after a swift operation. During the rescue mission, around 11 hospital employees suffered burn injuries while trying to evacuate patients from the affected wards.
Authorities said patients receiving treatment in the ICU were moved to other departments of the hospital with the help of firefighters, police personnel, hospital staff and attendants. In total, 23 patients were shifted to safer areas within the hospital complex.
Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, reached the hospital soon after the incident along with state Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to assess the situation and meet the injured patients.
Speaking to reporters, Majhi said preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit. The flames spread across the Trauma Care ICU and nearby wards, causing extensive disruption.
He confirmed that seven patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards during the emergency evacuation, while three others later succumbed to their injuries.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for those injured in the incident. He also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased victims.
Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to review safety measures at the state’s largest government-run medical facility.
