CUTTACK: In a devastating tragedy, at least ten patients died and several others were grievously injured after a major fire broke out in the intensive care unit of the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack early Monday morning, March 16, 2026. The fire, officials said, was caused by an electrical short circuit.
The blaze erupted in the ICU of the trauma care unit and quickly spread to adjacent wards, creating a scene of chaos and horror as rescue workers and staff scrambled to evacuate patients.
The Tragedy Unfolds
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Major fire at SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack |
| Date & Time | Early hours of March 16, 2026 |
| Location | ICU of the trauma care unit (fire spread to adjacent wards) |
| Cause | Electrical short circuit (as per officials) |
| Fatalities | 10 patients |
| Injured | Several patients; 11 hospital employees (security guards) injured during rescue. |
According to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited the hospital soon after the incident, 23 patients undergoing treatment on the first floor of the trauma care unit were shifted. “While shifting, seven patients succumbed to injuries. Subsequently, another three patients died in the ICU during treatment,” he stated.
Government Response: Compensation and Probe
The Chief Minister announced a series of immediate measures in response to the tragedy.
- Ex-Gratia: ₹25 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased.
- Judicial Probe: A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the incident. “Immediate actions will be taken if any lapses are found in the probe,” CM Majhi assured.
- Medical Care: Directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for all rescued patients.
- Safety Audit: Directed the Director General of Police to personally examine fire prevention measures at SCB Hospital and ensure fire-proof compliance across the state.
Previous Directives and Budgetary Provisions
CM Majhi highlighted that his government had been working on fire safety in hospitals. “I had given directions to make all hospital buildings fireproof after my government came to power. My government had made budgetary provision of ₹320 crore for fire prevention in 2025-26 budget. And, ₹420 crore has been proposed in the current budget (2026-27) for the same,” he pointed out.
He added that fire prevention measures are being taken in all hospitals on a war footing.
Political Reactions
Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Conveying condolences to the bereaved families, he prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and demanded the best possible medical treatment for them.
Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh pointed to serious lapses, stating there were “serious lapses in putting fire prevention apparatus in place” at the hospital.
Hospital Employees Injured in Rescue
At least 11 hospital employees, including private security guards who participated in the rescue operation, sustained injuries due to fire and smoke. They have been provided treatment and their conditions are reported to be stable.
