A devastating fire inside the intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, claimed the lives of ten patients early Monday morning, triggering shock and outrage across the state. Several others were injured as flames and thick smoke spread through the trauma care wing of one of eastern India’s largest government hospitals.
Authorities said the fire broke out in the early hours of March 16, 2026, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit inside the ICU of the trauma care unit. Hospital staff and emergency responders rushed to evacuate patients from nearby wards as smoke quickly filled parts of the building.
According to officials, 23 patients admitted on the first floor of the trauma care unit were evacuated during the rescue operation. Despite efforts to save them, several critically ill patients succumbed amid the chaos.
Seven patients died while being shifted from the affected ICU to safer wards. Later, three more patients succumbed to their injuries during treatment, bringing the total death toll to ten.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital shortly after the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragedy.
“This is an unfortunate and extremely tragic incident,” the Chief Minister said while speaking to reporters at the hospital premises. “I pray for peace for the departed souls. The government will ensure the best possible treatment for all injured patients.”
He also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased patient, while directing the state Health Department to prioritize treatment for survivors who were transferred to other wards including medicine and orthopaedics.
Rescue Operation Leaves Hospital Staff Injured
The emergency evacuation was carried out by hospital staff, security personnel, and emergency responders who rushed to the scene as the fire spread through parts of the trauma care facility.
During the rescue efforts, 11 hospital employees sustained injuries, primarily due to smoke inhalation and exposure to flames. Among the injured were private security guards who helped shift patients to safety.
Officials said all injured staff members were immediately provided medical care and their condition is currently reported to be stable.
Witnesses described scenes of panic inside the hospital corridors as doctors, nurses, and attendants worked frantically to move patients out of the smoke-filled ICU and adjacent wards.
Government Orders Judicial Probe
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Majhi ordered a judicial inquiry into the fire, stating that the investigation would determine whether any negligence or safety lapses contributed to the disaster.
“I have directed a judicial probe into the incident. If any lapses are identified, immediate and strict action will be taken,” he said.
The Chief Minister also instructed Y B Khurania, Director General of Police of Odisha, to personally examine the fire safety infrastructure at the hospital and ensure compliance with fire prevention standards.
The probe is expected to examine electrical systems, emergency preparedness protocols, and the availability of fire safety equipment within the hospital building.
Questions Over Fire Safety Infrastructure
The tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety measures in public hospitals across India.
During his statement, Majhi said his government had already initiated several measures to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in healthcare institutions.
He pointed out that the state government had allocated ₹320 crore in the 2025–26 budget for hospital fire prevention systems. Additionally, ₹420 crore has been proposed in the 2026–27 budget to further enhance fire safety infrastructure across medical facilities in the state.
According to the Chief Minister, hospitals across Odisha are currently undergoing upgrades to install modern fire detection systems, alarms, and emergency evacuation infrastructure.
However, critics say the tragedy highlights serious gaps in implementation.
Naveen Patnaik, Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and former Chief Minister, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to ensure the best medical care for those injured in the incident.
Meanwhile, Subash Singh, Mayor of Cuttack, raised concerns about potential lapses in the hospital’s fire safety preparedness.
“There appear to be serious gaps in the installation and maintenance of fire prevention systems in the hospital,” Singh said, calling for a thorough investigation.
A Wake-Up Call for Hospital Safety
The fire at SCB Medical College one of the oldest and most prominent medical institutions in eastern India has once again highlighted the vulnerability of hospitals to fire accidents.
Experts say that ICUs and trauma wards are particularly high-risk areas due to the presence of oxygen lines, electrical equipment, and life-support systems.
As the judicial probe begins, authorities are expected to closely examine whether safety protocols were followed and if existing fire-prevention systems were adequate.
For the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy, however, answers may come too late.
