10 dead after fire breaks out at SCB Hospital ICU centre in Cuttack, CM Manjhi announces Rs 25 lakh relief

CUTTACK: A devastating fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, claimed the lives of ten patients early Monday morning, while at least eleven hospital staff members sustained injuries during rescue operations.

According to officials, the fire broke out between 2.30 am and 3 am in the Trauma Care ICU, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. Multiple fire engines were rushed to the hospital, and emergency teams worked to control the blaze and evacuate patients.

Hospital staff sustained burn injuries while rescuing patients from the unit. In total, 23 patients were shifted to other departments and wards as part of the emergency evacuation. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the tragedy. He that the fire was likely triggered by a short circuit.

The Chief Minister visited the site to review the situation and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. He further directed authorities to immediately relocate the affected patients to safe areas to ensure their treatment continues without disruption.

#WATCH | Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the fire in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. He visited the site, ordered a judicial probe, and directed safe shifting of patients.

The CM also announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia from… pic.twitter.com/QiS26y1LNJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026

Expressing his condolences, the Chief Minister announced Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister stated that seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more succumbed later, bringing the total death toll to ten.

The Chief Minister also met with the patients undergoing treatment and their families, assuring them of full support. He directed the health department and hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for all injured and affected individuals.

#WATCH | Odisha: A fire broke out at Trauma Care ICU of S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Fire brigade present at the spot for firefighting operations. Visuals from the spot. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/KZVF5wOy4V

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026

SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, serving thousands of patients from across the state. Speaking to the media, the Odisha Chief Minister stated that the state has allocated Rs 420 crore for fire safety improvements at the hospital in the current financial year. He added that an additional Rs 400 crore has been earmarked for the same purpose in the upcoming financial year.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. “…The fire broke out probably due to a short circuit. 23 patients were under treatment at the trauma ICU, the ICU adjacent to that, and the ward on the first floor. Seven of them died in the fire. They were all shifted after which three more died…Medical staff and security personnel risked their life in rescuing the patients; during this, they too sustained injuries, and they too are under treatment. When we came to power, we had given directions to the department to improve fire safety. In the current financial year, we have made a budget allocation of Rs 420 Crores for this. The work is underway. In the next financial year, we have earmarked Rs 400 Crores for the same…I am directing a judicial inquiry into the incident. Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the incident. Patients are under treatment in another ICU…” said CM Manjhi.

According to local corporator Deepak Kumar Das, the incident occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Das further noted that an inquiry is underway to determine whether there were other factors behind the blaze.

#WATCH | Cuttack, Odisha: Local Corporator Deepak Kumar Das says, “We came to know at 3 am that. So, I reached the hospital. The incident occurred around 2-2.30 am. It was raining at that time. As per the information available to me, a short circuit had occurred there, which led… pic.twitter.com/DR09fqE9u3

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026

“We came to know at 3 am, so I reached the hospital. The incident occurred around 2-2.30 am. It was raining at that time. As per the information available to me, a short circuit had occurred there, which led to this mishap…An inquiry will reveal whether the incident occurred due to an old AC or if there was another reason behind this…” Das said. (ANI)