Cuttack Hospital Fire Kills 10 Patients, 11 Staff Injured; Odisha CM Orders Judicial Probe
A devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha has claimed the lives of at least 10 patients, while 11 hospital staff members were injured, triggering panic inside one of the state’s largest government medical facilities. The tragic Cuttack hospital fire has prompted the state government to order a judicial probe into the incident.
Authorities said the blaze broke out late at night inside one of the hospital wards, filling corridors with thick smoke and forcing doctors, nurses, and attendants to rush patients to safety.
Fire Breaks Out in Hospital Ward
According to officials, the fire began in a section of the hospital building and quickly spread smoke through nearby wards, creating chaos among patients and staff.
Many patients were asleep when the fire started. Witnesses said hospital staff immediately began evacuating patients, including those on oxygen support and critical care beds.
Several patients suffered severe smoke inhalation before rescue teams could reach them. Despite efforts by doctors and emergency responders, 10 patients were declared dead, while multiple others required urgent medical attention.
The hospital administration quickly shifted patients from the affected ward to safer areas within the facility and nearby hospitals.
Firefighters Rush to the Scene
Soon after the incident was reported, multiple fire engines and emergency response teams reached the hospital complex. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control.
Rescue personnel evacuated dozens of patients from smoke-filled wards, many of whom were weak or unable to move without assistance.
Ambulances were stationed outside the hospital to transport injured individuals to nearby medical facilities. Officials confirmed that 11 hospital staff members were injured during the rescue efforts, most suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns.
Authorities later stated that the fire had been fully extinguished, but investigations into the cause were ongoing.
Possible Cause of the Fire
Preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, although officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
Fire department officials and technical teams are currently inspecting the affected area to determine how the fire started and why it spread so quickly within the hospital ward.
Investigators are also examining whether fire safety equipment such as alarms, sprinklers, and emergency exits were functioning properly at the time of the incident.
Odisha Chief Minister Orders Judicial Probe
Following the tragic Cuttack hospital fire, Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, ordered a judicial inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement, he said the government would ensure a thorough investigation to identify any negligence or safety lapses that may have contributed to the disaster.
Officials said the judicial probe would examine several key aspects, including hospital infrastructure, fire safety compliance, and emergency response procedures.
One of Odisha’s Largest Hospitals
SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest and most important government healthcare institutions in Odisha. The hospital serves thousands of patients daily and acts as a major referral center for serious medical cases across the state.
Because of its large capacity and high patient load, the hospital complex includes multiple wards, specialized treatment units, and teaching facilities for medical students.
Any major incident inside such a large healthcare facility can quickly affect hundreds of patients and staff members.
Concerns Over Hospital Fire Safety
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in hospitals across India.
In recent years, several hospital fires have occurred due to electrical faults, oxygen equipment malfunctions, and inadequate fire prevention systems.
Safety experts have repeatedly warned that many hospitals, especially older government facilities, require modern fire detection systems, sprinkler networks, and well-practiced evacuation plans.
Healthcare infrastructure specialists say hospitals must regularly conduct fire safety audits and emergency drills to ensure that staff can respond quickly during emergencies.
Patients Being Treated, Services Gradually Restored
Following the incident, injured staff members and affected patients were provided immediate treatment. Hospital authorities said the condition of most injured individuals is stable.
Medical services in unaffected parts of the hospital have gradually resumed, though security and emergency monitoring have been increased across the campus.
Authorities have also begun reviewing fire safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Investigation Underway
The judicial probe ordered by the state government is expected to submit a detailed report on the incident in the coming weeks.
Officials said the investigation will determine whether the fire resulted from a technical failure, negligence, or lapses in safety procedures.
The findings of the inquiry could lead to new safety guidelines for hospitals across the state, aimed at preventing similar incidents.
The Cuttack hospital fire has left families mourning the loss of loved ones while raising urgent questions about the safety of healthcare facilities. As the investigation continues, authorities say ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff will remain a top priority
