10 Patients Killed In Massive Fire In Trauma Care ICU At SCB Medical College; Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia Announced

At least 10 people lost their lives after a major fire broke out at the trauma care centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning. The incident occurred in the Trauma Care ICU of the hospital, which is one of the largest government-run medical facilities in Odisha.

Officials said several patients and hospital staff were affected during the incident, and rescue operations were carried out immediately to evacuate patients from the building.

Fire Broke Out in Trauma Care ICU

According to officials, the fire reportedly started around 3:00 am on the first floor of the Trauma Care department.

Most of the victims were patients who had been admitted to the Trauma Care ICU. Authorities suspect that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact reason will be confirmed after a detailed investigation.

The sudden blaze created panic inside the hospital as patients, staff members, and attendants tried to move to safer areas.

Patients Shifted to Safe Locations

As soon as the fire was detected, the hospital's fire safety system was activated and emergency teams responded quickly.

Firefighters rushed to the scene with three fire tenders to control the blaze. At the same time, hospital staff, police personnel, and patient attendants worked together to evacuate patients from the ICU.

Several patients receiving treatment in the affected ward were shifted to other departments within the hospital.

Patients in critical condition were transferred to the New Medicine ICU to ensure they continued receiving medical care.

Hospital Staff Injured During Rescue

Officials said around 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while trying to rescue patients during the emergency.

Their quick response helped move several patients to safer areas and prevented the situation from becoming even more serious.

The injured staff members are currently receiving treatment.

Odisha Chief Minister Visits Hospital

After receiving information about the incident, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, rushed to the hospital along with state Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
The chief minister reviewed the situation at the hospital and met patients who were undergoing treatment.

Speaking to reporters, Majhi said that the fire had affected the Trauma Care ICU and nearby wards.

He stated that 23 patients were shifted to other departments for safety.

According to him, seven patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more people died later, taking the total death toll to ten.

Compensation Announced for Victims' Families

The Odisha government has announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of each person who died in the incident.

Chief Minister Majhi also directed officials to ensure that all injured patients receive proper medical treatment.

Investigation Underway

Several senior officials, including the state Health Secretary, the Cuttack District Collector, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, reached the hospital to supervise rescue and relief operations.

Authorities said that while a short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire, a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact reason.

The incident has raised serious concerns about hospital safety systems and emergency preparedness in major healthcare facilities.

Panic and Questions Over Safety

The tragic incident caused panic in and around the hospital as relatives of patients rushed to find information about their loved ones.

The fire has also triggered questions about fire safety arrangements in hospitals and the need for stronger preventive measures to avoid such disasters in the future.

Officials said more information about the incident will be shared after the investigation is completed.