A massive fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning left at least ten patients dead and injured several hospital staff members who were involved in rescue operations.
Officials said the blaze broke out between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. in the ICU of the trauma care centre, where several critically ill patients were receiving treatment. Fire engines rushed to the hospital soon after the alarm was raised, and emergency teams worked to control the flames and evacuate patients from the affected unit.
During the rescue efforts, several hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while trying to move patients to safety. Authorities evacuated 23 patients, shifting them to other wards and departments within the hospital.
Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, visited the hospital following the incident and ordered a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire. He also directed officials to immediately relocate affected patients to safe areas so their treatment could continue without interruption.
Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief Minister announced ₹25 lakh in ex-gratia compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased patient.
Speaking to reporters, he said seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more later succumbed, taking the death toll to ten.
Majhi also met injured patients and their families, assuring them that the state government would provide all necessary support. He instructed the health department and hospital administration to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and all those affected.
SCB Medical College and Hospital, one of the largest government-run healthcare institutions in Odisha, treats thousands of patients from across the state every day. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine what caused the fire.
