A tragic fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha early Monday morning has resulted in the death of ten patients and serious burn injuries to eleven hospital staff members who were attempting to rescue patients from the blaze.

Fire Breaks Out in ICU

According to officials, the fire started between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM in the Trauma Care ICU, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. The sudden outbreak led to heavy smoke inside the unit, creating panic among patients, staff, and attendants.

Emergency response teams from the fire department quickly arrived at the hospital and launched firefighting operations. After intense efforts, the flames were brought under control.

Massive Rescue Operation

Amid dense smoke and confusion, a large-scale rescue effort was initiated by fire service personnel, hospital staff, police officials, and patient attendants. Patients admitted to the ICU were evacuated and shifted to other departments within the hospital.

Officials stated that 23 patients were successfully moved to other wards and ICUs during the evacuation process.

Casualties Reported

Providing details of the tragedy, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, confirmed that seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other units, while three more succumbed later, taking the death toll to ten.

Eleven staff members reportedly sustained burn injuries while assisting in the rescue of patients.

Government Response

Chief Minister Majhi, accompanied by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital following the incident. They reviewed the situation with senior officials and met injured individuals to ensure they were receiving proper medical care.

Preliminary information suggests that the fire may have been triggered by a suspected short circuit, which affected the Trauma Care ICU and nearby wards.

The state government has announced:

₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of each deceased victim

A judicial inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire and examine hospital safety systems

Prime Minister Expresses Condolences

Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a message shared by Prime Minister's Office India, the Prime Minister conveyed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

He also announced ₹2 lakh compensation from the PM National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased, while ₹50,000 will be provided to those injured.

Safety Review Expected

Authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of fire safety measures and hospital infrastructure following the incident, as the state deals with the aftermath of the tragedy at one of its largest government medical institutions.

@EditorialTeam
Key Points Doctors Should Know

• The circulating social media messages are misinterpretations of the court observations.
• Doctors cannot be forced to treat against medical judgment or legal protocols.
• Proper documentation and informed consent during DAMA remains the safest practice.
• Hospitals must continue following standard medico-legal documentation procedures.