10 Killed in Massive ICU Fire at Odisha's SCB Medical College in Cuttack

Deadly Fire Erupts in ICU at SCB Medical College Hospital

A devastating fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Odisha's SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning, killing 10 patients and injuring 11 hospital staff members. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, erupted at around 2:30 AM in the trauma care centre located on the first floor of the casualty department building.

Around 23 patients were being treated in the ICU and its adjacent unit when the fire broke out. The flames spread quickly through the ward, trapping critically ill patients who were unable to move on their own.

Rescue Operation and Casualties

Fire service officials, along with hospital staff, police, and patients' attendants, rushed to rescue those trapped inside. The blaze was brought under control after nearly 30 minutes of firefighting. However, seven patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, and three more succumbed to their injuries shortly after.

In a display of extraordinary courage, 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while pulling patients to safety. The injured staff were immediately given medical attention at the same facility.

The remaining 23 patients were successfully relocated to other departments within the hospital, where their treatment continues without disruption.

CM Mohan Charan Majhi Visits Hospital

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital early Monday morning. He met with the injured staff members and reviewed the situation with senior hospital officials.

The Chief Minister announced several immediate measures:

• Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the next of kin of each deceased patient
• A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the incident to determine the exact cause
• Authorities have been directed to ensure uninterrupted treatment for all relocated patients
• A comprehensive fire safety audit of all government hospitals in the state

India's Recurring Hospital Fire Problem

This tragedy highlights a persistent and alarming pattern of hospital fires across India. From the deadly blaze at a Rajkot gaming zone to the Neonatal ICU fire in Jhansi, the country continues to grapple with fire safety failures in healthcare facilities. Experts have long pointed to ageing electrical infrastructure, poor maintenance, and inadequate fire safety equipment as the root causes.

SCB Medical College, one of Odisha's oldest and largest government hospitals, serves thousands of patients daily. The fact that a short circuit could cause such devastation in a critical care unit raises serious questions about the safety standards in government-run hospitals.

What Happens Next

The judicial inquiry ordered by CM Majhi will investigate whether fire safety protocols were followed, the condition of electrical wiring in the ICU, and whether the hospital had functional fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems in the affected ward.

The Opposition in Odisha has demanded accountability and called for stricter fire safety norms in all hospitals across the state. Several political leaders have also demanded that the families of the deceased receive higher compensation given the negligence involved.