Finance
At least ten patients died and numerous more suffered significant burn injuries after a massive fire broke out in the Trauma Care ICU of the Emergency Department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha early Monday morning.
According to sources, the fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. on the first floor of the Emergency Department, possibly as a result of an electrical short circuit. As soon as the fire was detected in the ICU, patients became panicked. The fire safety team and fire brigade workers responded quickly, sending three fire tenders to contain the fire. Patients were swiftly evacuated, and seriously ill persons were sent to the New Medicine ICU.
Senior officials, including the Health Secretary, Cuttack District Collector, and DCP, raced to the spot to direct rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid a visit to SCB Medical’s Trauma Care ICU to express his condolences following the fatal fire.
He has requested a judicial investigation into the matter.The CM has expressed condolences to the departed families and directed that other patients be relocated to appropriate locations while treatment continues. He announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia to each deceased’s nearest of kin from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Majhi also spoke with patients and their families, assuring them of the best possible care and directing officials to offer optimal treatment to those discharged from the ICU.
Speaking to media persons, CM Majhi said, “A few hours ago, a major fire broke out in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital due to a suspected short circuit. As a result, the patients undergoing treatment in the Trauma Care ICU, an adjoining ICU and ward were affected.
“After the fire broke out, 23 patients undergoing treatment on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were shifted to safer locations. Seven critically-ill patients died during the shifting process, while three others succumbed after being moved to other ICUs. It is very unfortunate.”
The Chief Minister further noted that as many as 11 hospital staff members, including security personnel, risked their lives to help rescue patients. Many of them also sustained injuries due to smoke inhalation and flames during the shifting of patients, but they are now stable and undergoing treatment in a ward on the ground floor.
“After our government came to power, I had earlier directed the department to inspect and take action regarding fire safety measures at all hospitals across the state. In the current budget for 2025–26, we have allocated Rs 320 crore for strengthening fire safety measures, and the work is being carried out on a war footing. In the coming financial year 2026–27, Rs 400 crore has been allocated for this purpose,” the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister Majhi instructed officials of all departments to ensure the installation of advanced fire-extinguishing systems in hospitals across the state.
“I have instructed the Director General of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services (Sudhanshu Sarangi) to personally inspect the fire safety measures and ensure compliant at SCB Medical College and Hospital.
“I have also ordered a judicial enquiry into the incident. If the fire is found to have resulted from any negligence, the government will take stringent action after receiving the judicial inquiry report,” he said.
