A devastating fire broke out at the Shriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, on Monday, resulting in the death of at least 10 patients. The fire originated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Trauma Care facility, quickly spreading through the ward and trapping critically ill patients. Despite immediate rescue efforts by hospital staff and fire services, 10 individuals succumbed to asphyxiation and burn injuries. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and the blaze was eventually brought under control after several hours of intensive operations.
Incident Overview and Immediate Response
According to official reports, the fire started unexpectedly in the Trauma Care ICU on Monday morning. Eyewitnesses described thick black smoke billowing from the unit, leading to a state of panic across the hospital premises. Hospital staff and security personnel acted swiftly, breaking window panes to evacuate patients from the smoke-filled ward. More than five fire engines arrived shortly after the alert was sounded. During the rescue mission, 11 hospital employees sustained injuries and were admitted for treatment. Preliminary assessments by the fire department suggest a short circuit as the likely cause, though a detailed technical investigation is underway.
Chief Minister’s Visit and Compensation Package
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and visited the SCB Medical College on Monday morning to assess the situation. After meeting with senior medical officials and district administration, the Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased patient. He emphasized that the state government stands with the bereaved families and will cover all medical expenses for those injured in the incident. The Chief Minister also issued strict directives to ensure the safety and continued treatment of other patients relocated from the affected unit.
Casualties and Condition of Injured Staff
The 11 hospital staff members who were injured during the rescue operations are reported to be in stable condition. Some suffered from smoke inhalation, while others sustained minor burns while moving patients to safety. The hospital administration has constituted a specialized medical team to monitor the health of the injured staff and the patients who were shifted from the Trauma Care ICU, while all surviving patients from the affected block have been moved to alternative ICUs and general wards. The Hospital Superintendent confirmed that necessary medical support is being provided to all relocated patients without interruption.
Investigation and Fire Safety Protocols
The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragic incident, while chief Minister Majhi stated that if any negligence by the hospital administration or officials is identified, stringent legal action will be taken. Plus, the government has directed a comprehensive fire safety audit of all public and private hospitals across the state. A joint team comprising the Cuttack district administration and police is currently investigating the technical aspects of the fire. Forensic experts have collected samples from the site to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the blaze.
Administrative Measures and Future Precautions
In the wake of the incident, the SCB Medical College administration has initiated a review of its safety protocols. While fire safety equipment was reportedly present in the Trauma Care unit, the rapid spread of the fire limited the effectiveness of immediate manual intervention. Officials are now inspecting the electrical wiring and aging infrastructure within the hospital complex. Plans are being discussed to modernize fire alarm systems and install advanced sprinkler systems throughout the facility. The police have cordoned off the Trauma Care block to facilitate an undisturbed investigation into the cause of the fire.