A major fire at the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning left ten patients dead and several hospital staff members injured.
According to officials, the fire broke out between 2:30 am and 3:00 am in the trauma ICU where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. Emergency teams rushed to the scene soon after the incident, and multiple fire engines were deployed to control the blaze and assist in rescue operations.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said hospital staff were injured while evacuating patients from the affected ward during the emergency.
Patients shifted as rescue operations continued
Following the fire, 23 patients were moved to other departments and wards within the hospital to ensure their safety and continued medical care.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more succumbed later.
"A total of 23 patients have been shifted to other departments. Seven serious patients died while shifting to other ICUs and wards, while another three patients died later. I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," Majhi said.
Chief minister visits hospital, announces compensation
Soon after the incident, Majhi visited the hospital along with Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to review the situation. They also met patients who were undergoing treatment at the facility.
The Chief Minister announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased patient.
He also ordered a judicial probe into the incident to determine the cause of the fire and examine safety measures at the hospital.
Authorities continue to monitor the condition of injured staff members and patients who were shifted from the ICU.

