Odisha Hospital Fire: A devastating fire broke out early Monday morning in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, killing at least 10 patients and leaving several others critically injured.
The blaze filled the intensive care unit with thick smoke within minutes, trapping critically ill patients who were on life-support systems. Emergency teams managed to rescue many patients, but the tragedy has raised serious concerns about hospital fire safety protocols.
Fire Breaks Out Around 3 AM in ICU Ward
According to officials, the fire started around 3:00 AM on Monday on the first floor of the Trauma Care Unit in the medicine department building of the hospital.
Within minutes, dense smoke spread throughout the ICU ward where several critically ill patients were admitted. Because many patients were connected to life-support equipment, evacuation became extremely challenging.
Rescue Operation Launched by Staff and Firefighters
Hospital staff and firefighters immediately began emergency rescue operations after the fire was reported. However, several patients were already exposed to the flames and heavy smoke.
Firefighters deployed three fire tenders, which battled the blaze for hours before bringing the situation under control.
At least 10 persons killed in a Major #fire Tragedy at the #TraumaCare ICU of #SCBMedicalCollege & Hospital, #Cuttack , #Odisha , early hours of March 16.
The 10 patients lost their lives in #SCB #HospitalFire Tragedy, most of them admitted in the #ICU
Around 11 hospital staff… pic.twitter.com/Wa5txjSDRx
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) March 16, 2026
Dozens of Patients Safely Evacuated
Thanks to the quick response of hospital authorities and emergency services, dozens of patients were safely evacuated from the affected ward.
Patients who survived but were in critical condition were quickly shifted to the New Medicine ICU so that their treatment could continue without interruption.
10 Patients Among 23 Admitted Lose Their Lives
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that 23 patients were admitted in the ICU ward at the time of the incident.
-
Seven patients died inside the ward before rescue operations could reach them.
-
Three additional patients died later due to injuries and smoke inhalation after being rescued.
In total, 10 patients lost their lives in the tragic incident.
At least five other patients remain critically injured, while two hospital employees also sustained serious injuries during the rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Visits Hospital After Incident
Soon after receiving news of the tragedy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital to review the situation and meet the families of the victims.
Senior officials, including the state health secretary, Cuttack district collector, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, were present at the site to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Compensation Announced for Victims
The Odisha government has announced ₹25 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF):
-
₹2 lakh for the families of those who died
-
₹50,000 for the injured
Short Circuit Suspected as Cause of Fire
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in the ICU’s air-conditioning system or a medical device.
The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Authorities will also examine whether fire safety protocols were properly followed in the hospital.
About the Author
