Major Fire in Trauma ICU of SCB Medical College Hospital Claims 10 Lives

A devastating fire broke out early Monday in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, resulting in the tragic death of 10 patients. The incident occurred between approximately 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., when most of the patients were asleep. According to officials, the fire spread rapidly inside the ICU, leaving little time for evacuation. During attempts to rescue the patients, 11 hospital employees also suffered burn injuries. The sudden blaze caused panic within the hospital premises. Fire brigade teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and launched rescue operations with the help of local police and the patients’ family members. During the operation, 23 patients were safely shifted to other wards of the hospital. Following the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to review the situation and meet the injured. The Chief Minister stated that preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. He expressed grief over the tragedy and said that seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to another ICU, while three others succumbed later. The state government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh each for the families of the deceased patients. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure free and proper treatment for those injured in the incident.