Cuttack Hospital Fire: 10 Patients Killed in ICU Blaze at SCB Medical College, Odisha Orders Probe

Azad Report Cuttack hospital fire

A tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha has claimed the lives of at least 10 patients and left several others injured. The deadly incident occurred inside the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), triggering panic among patients, staff, and families in one of eastern India’s largest government medical institutions.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, while the state government has ordered a judicial probe into the tragic accident.

Fire Breaks Out in ICU Ward

According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning in the trauma care ICU block of the hospital. The sudden blaze quickly spread through the ward where several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment.

Hospital staff noticed smoke coming from medical equipment and electrical systems inside the ICU area. Within minutes, flames and thick smoke filled the ward, making evacuation difficult for patients who were already on life-support systems or critical medical care.

Emergency alarms were raised immediately, and hospital authorities contacted the fire department for urgent assistance.

Rescue Operation and Casualties

Firefighters rushed to the hospital after receiving the distress call and worked with hospital staff to rescue patients trapped inside the affected ward. Several patients were quickly shifted to other departments within the hospital, while some were moved to nearby healthcare facilities for further treatment.

Despite the rapid response, officials confirmed that 10 patients lost their lives in the incident. Most of the victims reportedly died due to severe burns or smoke inhalation.

In addition to the fatalities, at least 11 hospital staff members suffered injuries during the rescue operation. Many of them inhaled smoke while trying to evacuate patients from the ICU ward.

The condition of some injured individuals remains under medical observation.

Possible Cause of the Fire

Cuttack hospital fire

While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, early reports suggest that a short circuit or electrical malfunction may have triggered the blaze.

Hospitals typically rely heavily on electrical equipment such as ventilators, monitoring devices, and air-conditioning systems inside ICUs. Investigators believe that a fault in one of these systems could have sparked the fire.

Forensic experts and fire safety teams have begun examining the damaged ICU area to determine the precise cause of the accident.

Government Orders Judicial Probe

Following the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy.

The chief minister visited the hospital and directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation to identify any negligence or safety lapses.

Authorities have also announced financial compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

The investigation will examine several key factors, including:

• Fire safety systems inside the hospital

• Electrical infrastructure in the ICU

• Emergency response procedures

• Compliance with hospital safety standards

Officials have promised strict action if any violations or negligence are discovered.

Concerns Over Hospital Safety

The deadly Cuttack hospital fire has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in hospitals across India.

Hospitals, especially intensive care units, contain large amounts of oxygen cylinders, electrical equipment, and medical devices that can increase fire risks if safety measures are not properly maintained.

Experts say hospitals must ensure:

• Regular inspection of electrical systems

• Functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems

• Emergency evacuation plans for patients

• Fire safety training for hospital staff

Healthcare facilities treating thousands of patients every day must maintain strict safety protocols to prevent such disasters.

Impact on Patients and Families

The incident has left families of the victims devastated. Many relatives had been waiting outside the ICU while their loved ones were receiving treatment when the fire suddenly broke out.

Some survivors described scenes of chaos as hospital staff rushed to evacuate patients while smoke spread rapidly through the corridor.

Several patients who were rescued from the ICU have been shifted to other wards for treatment and observation.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have sealed parts of the ICU ward at SCB Medical College and Hospital while investigators collect evidence from the site.

The inquiry is expected to determine how the fire started, why it spread quickly, and whether proper safety systems were functioning at the time of the incident.

The tragic blaze has shocked residents of Cuttack and the wider state of Odisha, prompting calls for stricter safety audits in hospitals across the country.

As the investigation continues, authorities say the priority is to ensure such a devastating incident never happens again.