10 Dead in SCB Medical College Hospital Fire in Cuttack, Trauma Care ICU Gutted, CM Majhi Announces ₹25 Lakh Compensation

At least 10 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at the trauma care centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack during the early hours of Monday, officials said.

The incident occurred around 3:00 am, when a sudden blaze erupted on the first floor of the Trauma Care department. Most of the victims were reportedly patients admitted to the Trauma Care ICU of the hospital.

Around 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while trying to rescue patients and move them to safer areas.

Fire Breaks Out in ICU

Officials said the hospital’s fire safety system was immediately activated after the blaze started. The hospital fire department launched emergency action and three fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the flames.

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.

During the incident, chaos spread across the hospital premises as relatives of patients panicked and rushed through the corridors trying to locate their family members.

Patients Shifted During Rescue Operation

Fire service personnel, hospital staff, police officers and patient attendants worked together to evacuate those admitted in the affected ICU.

Patients undergoing treatment in the Trauma Care unit were shifted to other departments within the hospital, which is one of the largest government medical facilities in Odisha.

Several critically ill patients were moved to the New Medicine ICU for continued treatment.

Chief Minister Visits Hospital

Soon after receiving information about the tragedy, Mohan Charan Majhi rushed to the hospital along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to review the situation.

The Chief Minister inspected the affected area and met patients undergoing treatment.

Speaking to media, Majhi said the fire was suspected to have been caused by a short circuit.

“A major fire erupted in SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. It affected the Trauma Care ICU and adjoining wards,” he said.

According to the Chief Minister, 23 patients were shifted to other departments, but seven patients died during the process of being moved to other ICUs and wards, while three more died later.

Majhi also directed officials to ensure proper treatment for those injured in the incident.

Compensation Announced for Victims

The Odisha government announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of each deceased victim.

Senior officials including the state Health Secretary, the Cuttack District Collector, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police reached the hospital to supervise rescue and relief operations.

Authorities said emergency response teams are continuing to monitor the situation and assist patients and families affected by the tragedy.

Questions Raised Over Hospital Safety

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are expected to conduct a detailed probe.

The tragedy has triggered concerns about fire safety measures in hospitals, especially in critical care units where vulnerable patients require constant monitoring.

Residents in the surrounding areas also expressed shock and panic following the incident.

President Murmu, PM Modi Express Grief

President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“Deeply distressed by the loss of lives in the tragic fire incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” she wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and announced financial assistance for the victims.

“The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000, the statement added.