Massive Fire Breaks Out at SCB Medical College ICU in Odisha’s Cuttack; 10 Patients Killed

Cuttack: Panic gripped Odisha’s largest government hospital after a major fire broke out in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning. While at least 11 hospital staff members sustained injuries during rescue operations, 10 patients admitted in the ICU lost their lives.

According to initial reports, the blaze erupted on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU in the hospital’s Emergency Department at around 2:30 AM. Firefighters rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported. The hospital’s fire brigade began the initial firefighting operation, and three additional fire engines were later deployed to bring the flames under control.

Hospital staff and emergency teams quickly evacuated patients from the affected ICU. More than 20 critically ill patients were rescued and shifted to the New Medicine ICU, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their condition is reported to be critical.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said.

CM Majhi Mourns Loss of Lives, Announces Ex-Gratia

Following the incident, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling left Paradip and is heading to SCB Medical College and Hospital to review the situation. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also reached the hospital to take stock of the situation. The CM held a discussion with the hospital authorities and Police officers. 

Expressing deep grief over the tragic fire incident in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, CM Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and directed authorities to immediately shift the affected patients to safe locations and continue their treatment without disruption.

Addressing the media outside the hospital, the Chief Minister stated that seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more succumbed later, bringing the total death toll to 10.

The Chief MInister also announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia assistance for the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

Odisha CM Majhi met the patients undergoing treatment and their relatives, assuring them of full support. He further directed the health department and hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for all injured and affected patients.

The Governor of Odisha too expressed grief over SCB Medical College Hospital fire and wished speedy recovery for the victims injured in the tragoc accident. 

“Deeply grieved by the tragic fire incident in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital. The affected patients have been swiftly shifted to safe locations and their treatment is continuing without disruption. My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and I wish them a speedy recovery," Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said.

'Extremely Heartbreaking': Odisha LoP and Former CM Naveen Patnaik Expresses Grief 

Praying for the swift recovery of those seriously injured in the SCB Medical College Hospital fire, Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik expressed deepest condolences to the grieving family members

“I urge the state government to ensure the best medical facilities for all the injured. The Mayor of Cuttack and the Tangi Choudwar MLA have been instructed to reach the incident site and provide assistance,” Patnaik wrote on X.