Cuttack: A major fire broke out at the trauma care intensive care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning, resulting in the death of ten patients. The blaze reportedly erupted around 2:30 AM on the first floor of the trauma care department, triggering a high-stakes rescue operation in the middle of the night.
Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit in the air conditioning system of the ICU. At the time of the incident, approximately 15 critically ill patients were undergoing treatment in the unit, many of whom were on ventilator and oxygen support. This made the evacuation process exceptionally difficult, as the patients could not be moved easily without life-support equipment.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital to oversee the situation and confirmed that seven patients died inside the ICU, while three others succumbed to their injuries while being shifted to other wards. In addition to the patient fatalities, at least 11 hospital staff members and 23 total employees were hospitalised after suffering burn injuries and complications from smoke inhalation during their efforts to rescue those trapped.
The Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment of 25 lakh rupees for the next of kin of each deceased victim. Furthermore, a high-level judicial probe has been ordered to investigate the exact cause of the fire and to determine if there were any lapses in safety protocols at the facility.
Leader of Opposition Shri Naveen Patnaik expressed grave concern over the incident, describing the loss of life as deeply tragic. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced that he will be visiting SCB Medical College soon to meet the injured and assess the situation firsthand. Shri Patnaik also called for a thorough investigation into the fire safety infrastructure of the state’s premier medical institution.
The hospital’s internal fire safety team was the first to respond, followed by three fire tenders and over 30 personnel from the Cuttack Fire Station who eventually brought the flames under control. Survivors have been moved to the New Medicine ICU and other safer wings, though several remain in critical condition.