10 Patients Killed, Several Injured in Major Fire at SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack

SCB Medical College Hospital fire

A devastating fire broke out at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, killing at least 10 patients and injuring several others, according to early reports. The blaze triggered panic inside one of the state’s largest government hospitals, forcing emergency evacuation efforts and a large-scale rescue operation.

Authorities said the fire started inside one of the hospital wards late at night, quickly spreading smoke across the building and trapping several patients inside.

Panic Inside the Hospital

SCB Medical College Hospital fire

Witnesses said the fire caused chaos inside the hospital as patients, attendants, and staff rushed to escape the thick smoke filling the corridors.

Hospital staff immediately began shifting patients from the affected ward to safer areas, while firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene to contain the blaze.

Several critically ill patients who were on oxygen support had to be moved urgently to other wards and nearby hospitals.

Rescue Operation Underway

SCB Medical College Hospital fire

Multiple fire tenders were deployed to bring the situation under control. Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the hospital complex.

Rescue teams evacuated dozens of patients from the affected wards, many of whom were suffering from smoke inhalation.

Ambulances were seen transporting injured patients to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Possible Cause of the Fire

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, but preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

Investigators and fire department officials are currently examining the affected building to determine how the incident started and why the fire spread so quickly.

A detailed inquiry has been ordered to identify any lapses in fire safety systems at the hospital.

Government Orders Investigation

SCB Medical College Hospital fire

State authorities have announced a high-level investigation into the incident. Officials said the priority remains ensuring proper treatment for the injured and supporting the families of those who lost their lives.

Senior government officials and local administrators rushed to the hospital to monitor the situation and oversee rescue operations.

Authorities are also reviewing the hospital’s fire safety protocols, emergency exits, and electrical infrastructure.

One of Odisha’s Largest Hospitals

SCB Medical College Hospital fire

SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest and oldest government hospitals in eastern India, serving thousands of patients from across Odisha and neighboring states.

The hospital is often crowded, with hundreds of patients admitted at any given time and many more visiting daily for treatment.

Because of its size and heavy patient load, any emergency inside the hospital can quickly turn into a major crisis.

SCB Medical College Hospital fire Growing Concern Over Hospital Fire Safety

The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in hospitals across India.

Over the past few years, several tragic hospital fires have occurred due to electrical faults, oxygen equipment malfunctions, or lack of proper safety systems.

Experts say many hospitals still lack adequate fire alarms, sprinklers, and evacuation plans, which can lead to catastrophic consequences during emergencies.

Situation Under Control

SCB Medical College Hospital fire

Authorities later confirmed that the fire had been brought under control, though rescue teams continued to search the affected ward to ensure no one remained trapped inside.

Meanwhile, the injured patients are receiving treatment, and hospital services are gradually returning to normal in other parts of the facility.

Officials said further details about the cause of the fire and the final casualty figures would be released after the investigation.