Cuttack: A fire broke out in the trauma care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack city early Monday morning, claiming lives of 10 patients.
According to sources, the blaze, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, erupted on the first floor of the trauma care unit of the state’s premier hospital, where critically ill patients, many on ventilators and oxygen support, were being treated, at around 3 am, leading to chaos as firefighters, hospital staff, and emergency teams worked to evacuate them. While seven patients succumbed inside the ICU due to the fire and smoke, three more died during the rescue efforts as they were being shifted to safer wards or other sections of the hospital.
It took three fire tenders hours of intense effort to eventually bring the raging flames under control. Around 11 hospital staff also sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue patients and control the situation amid heavy smoke and panic. Health Secretary Aswathy S, Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde and Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari supervised the rescue operations.
Condition of five injured is stated to be critical.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi rushed to the hospital shortly after the incident to assess the situation firsthand, meet with affected families, and oversee relief measures. “A total of 23 patients were in the ward at the time. Seven tragically died in the ward before rescuers could reach them. Three others, who had been successfully evacuated, later died from smoke inhalation injuries. The confirmed death toll now stands at 10. Additionally, at least five patients and two hospital workers sustained injuries and remain under medical care,” he told reporters.
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.
Majhi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased patient. He also assured free and comprehensive treatment for all injured individuals.
The CM further ordered a judicial probe to investigate the cause, lapses in fire safety protocols, and any negligence involved, promising strict action against those found responsible.
Majhi highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance fire safety across state hospitals. He noted that prior directives had already been issued to install and upgrade fire-fighting systems in all government hospitals. In the current budget, Rs 320 crore was allocated for this purpose, with work continuing. An additional provision of Rs 400 crore has been made in the upcoming budget to strengthen these measures further, he added.
Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has expressed profound grief over the devastating fire incident. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. He also wished a speedy recovery to all those injured and receiving treatment, emphasising the need for the best possible medical care to be provided to the victims without delay.
Furthermore, Naveen instructed Cuttack Mayor and Tangi-Chowdwar MlA to reach the incident site without delay to coordinate and provide all necessary assistance to the affected individuals and their families.
The BJD supremo also announced he would visit SCB to assess the situation and offer support to those impacted by the incident.
