Cuttack (Odisha), March 16: A devastating fire at the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning claimed the lives of ten patients and left at least eleven hospital staff members injured during rescue operations.
According to officials, the blaze broke out between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. in the hospital’s Trauma Care ICU, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. At the time of the incident, 23 patients were receiving care in the ICU, an adjacent ICU, and a nearby ward.
Emergency responders rushed multiple fire engines to the scene as hospital staff and rescue teams worked urgently to contain the fire and evacuate patients from the affected area.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that seven critically ill patients died during the evacuation, while three more later succumbed, bringing the total death toll to ten.
Medical staff and security personnel reportedly risked their lives to rescue patients, sustaining burn injuries in the process. The injured staff members are currently receiving treatment, while all remaining patients were shifted to other wards and ICUs within the hospital to ensure continuity of care.
Likely Cause: Short Circuit
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Majhi said that the fire was likely caused by a short circuit, though a detailed investigation is underway.
Local corporator Deepak Kumar Das noted that preliminary information suggested the possibility of a short circuit, potentially involving an old air-conditioning unit, but added that a full inquiry would determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Judicial Inquiry Ordered
The Chief Minister visited the hospital soon after the incident to assess the situation and meet patients and their families. During the visit, he announced a judicial inquiry into the tragedy and assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
Majhi also directed authorities to ensure that the relocated patients receive the best possible medical treatment.
Compensation for Victims’ Families
Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim.
Fire Safety Upgrades Planned
Highlighting the government’s efforts to improve hospital safety, Majhi said the state government has allocated ₹420 crore in the current financial year for fire safety improvements at the hospital. An additional ₹400 crore has been earmarked for the upcoming financial year to further strengthen safety infrastructure.
SCB Medical College and Hospital is among the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, serving thousands of patients from across the state.
Authorities said the judicial probe will determine the exact cause of the fire and whether equipment failure, electrical issues, or other factors contributed to the disaster.
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