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Hospital Fire Incident
A devastating fire erupted in the trauma care intensive care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha state, during the early hours of Monday morning.
“At least 10 critically ill patients died after a fire broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit of a government-run hospital in eastern India early Monday, officials said. The blaze erupted on the first floor of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, in Odisha state, where patients were being treated in the trauma ICU ward.”
According to officials, the blaze broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am on the first floor of the government-run hospital, where critically ill patients were receiving treatment in the Trauma Care ICU.
Emergency services responded quickly, with multiple fire engines and hospital staff working to contain the flames and evacuate patients from the affected area.
The incident created a chaotic situation as medical personnel, security guards, and patient attendants worked together to move patients to safer locations within the hospital complex.
Casualties and Rescue
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of at least 10 critically ill patients and injuries to 11 hospital staff members who risked their lives attempting to rescue patients trapped in the burning ICU.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that seven patients died during the initial fire, while three others succumbed to injuries sustained during the evacuation process.
Among the injured were hospital employees including private security guards who participated in the dangerous rescue operation.
Emergency responders successfully moved 23 patients from the affected floor to other departments within the hospital, though some critically ill patients were unable to survive the trauma of being relocated while suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
Cause Investigation
Authorities suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the trauma care ICU ward, though a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
“According to officials, the fire probably originated from a short circuit, reported the PTI. The chief minister said the fire erupted at the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated. Majhi also announced a judicial probe into the matter and asked the DG, Fire Service, to inquire into the matter and report to him immediately.”
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the blaze likely originated from a short circuit, with officials suggesting it may have been triggered by the ICU's air conditioning system or medical equipment.
The fire affected not only the Trauma Care ICU but also adjoining ICU areas and wards, creating a widespread emergency situation.
In response to the tragedy, Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and directed officials to ensure that all affected patients receive uninterrupted medical care.
Hospital Background
SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest and oldest government-run healthcare facilities in eastern India, established in 1944, and serves as the main referral hospital for patients from across Odisha and neighbouring regions.
The hospital treats thousands of patients annually, making this incident particularly concerning for public health infrastructure in the region.
Building fires are tragically common in Indian healthcare facilities, often blamed on electrical faults and inadequate safety equipment.
This latest tragedy follows similar incidents including a 2024 fire in a neonatal ICU in Jhansi that killed 10 newborn babies and a 2021 Virar hospital fire that claimed 13 Covid-19 patients, highlighting systemic safety concerns.
Government Response
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital to assess the situation and announced immediate compensation measures for the victims' families.
“Chief Minister Majhi visited the hospital following the incident and announced compensation of Rs2.5 million for the families of each of the deceased patients. He also ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy and warned that strict action would be taken if negligence was found to have contributed to the fire.”
He announced Rs 25 lakh (approximately $30,000) in ex-gratia compensation from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for each deceased patient, while directing authorities to provide the best available treatment for rescued patients.
The Chief Minister also ordered strict action against anyone found responsible following the judicial inquiry, emphasizing that safety lapses would not be tolerated.
Senior officials including the Health Secretary, District Collector, and Deputy Commissioner of Police supervised rescue operations, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the incident, calling it 'deeply painful' in a social media post.