By Our Correspondent
CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR: A major fire incident occurred early on Monday at the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha.
The blaze broke out around 2:30–3:00 AM, likely due to a suspected short circuit, affecting critically ill patients, many on ventilators.
The fire caused thick smoke, leading to panic and rushed evacuations. Reports indicate that 23 patients were shifted to other wards and ICUs during the rescue efforts.
At least 10 patients died. Seven patients succumbed during the fire or initial evacuation (primarily due to smoke suffocation and burns).Three more died later from injuries sustained during the transfer or from severe burns/suffocation.
The deceased have been identified as Ramesh Parida, Dasharu Munda, M.D. Nyum, Gauranga Barik, S.K. Abdul Sattar, Madhusudan Dalai, Krushnachandra Biswal, Rabindra Das, Cheru Parida, and Menaka Rout.
At least 11 hospital staff members (including medical and security personnel) were injured while rescuing patients; they are under treatment.
No earlier major fire mishaps with fatalities at the same facility appear in recent reports (older incidents, like a 2016 cardiology department fire, had no deaths and patients escaped unhurt). This appears to be the primary/recent tragic event matching your query.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital, reviewed the situation with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and met injured patients/staff.
He announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the next of kin of each deceased.A judicial inquiry (court-ordered probe) has been ordered to investigate the cause and any lapses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the CM and announced additional ex-gratia from PMNRF: Rs 2 lakh for kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in hospitals, with the CM noting prior budget allocations for improvements.
