At least 10 patients were killed after a fire broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital early Monday morning, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. local time in Cuttack in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Officials suspect the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Patients Among the Dead
All 10 victims were patients admitted to the trauma care ICU. During rescue efforts, 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while attempting to evacuate patients from the affected wards.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the casualties and praised hospital staff and security personnel who risked their lives during the emergency response.
“Medical staff and security personnel risked their lives to rescue patients,” Majhi said after visiting the hospital.
The injured staff members are currently receiving treatment.
Fire Contained, Patients Relocated
Fire service teams rushed to the hospital shortly after the blaze started and managed to bring it under control. Authorities said the fire spread beyond the trauma care ICU to an adjoining ICU and nearby wards.
Patients from the affected units were shifted to other departments within the hospital to ensure their safety.
SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, treating thousands of patients every day.
Judicial Inquiry Ordered
The state government has announced financial compensation for the families of the victims and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.
Majhi said strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible if negligence is discovered.
Repeated Hospital Fire Incidents in India
Hospital fires have occurred frequently across India, often due to electrical faults and overloaded power systems.
Several major incidents in recent years include:
- In 2024, a fire in a neonatal ICU in Jhansi killed 10 newborn babies.
- In 2021, an ICU fire at Vijay Vallabh Hospital killed 13 COVID-19 patients.
- Another 2021 fire at a newborn care unit in Bhandara district killed 10 infants.
Experts say hospitals remain particularly vulnerable to fires due to heavy electrical equipment, oxygen supply systems, and critically ill patients who cannot be evacuated quickly during emergencies.
Authorities said the investigation into the Cuttack hospital fire is ongoing.