Fire at Odisha Government Hospital Leaves Several Dead, Multiple Patients Injured

Yugcharan News / 16 March 2026

A major fire incident at a government-run hospital in Cuttack, located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, has resulted in the death of at least ten patients and left several others injured, according to officials familiar with the situation. The fire reportedly broke out in the early hours of Monday inside the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital, one of the largest healthcare facilities in the region.

Authorities have initiated rescue operations, launched a formal investigation, and announced financial assistance for the families of the victims. The tragic incident has raised serious concerns regarding fire safety protocols in healthcare facilities and emergency preparedness in hospitals across the country.

Early Morning Fire in Hospital ICU

According to preliminary information provided by officials, the fire started around 3 a.m. in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital. Medical staff and emergency responders immediately initiated evacuation procedures to rescue patients who were undergoing treatment in the affected unit.

Initial reports suggest that seven patients died inside the ICU itself while rescue operations were underway. Three additional patients reportedly lost their lives during the process of being shifted to other wards for safety. Several other individuals were injured in the incident and are currently receiving treatment.

Officials stated that some patients were in critical condition due to severe smoke exposure and other complications related to the fire. Hospital authorities and emergency services continued working through the morning to stabilise those affected and relocate other patients from vulnerable areas of the facility.

Rescue Efforts by Hospital Staff and Emergency Teams

Firefighters and hospital personnel acted swiftly after the incident was detected. According to local authorities, several patients were evacuated to nearby wards and other sections of the hospital building to prevent further casualties.

Emergency response teams were deployed to the hospital premises shortly after the fire was reported. Fire control units worked to contain the blaze while hospital staff assisted in moving patients from the affected ICU to safer locations.

During the rescue process, at least eleven hospital employees reportedly experienced health complications, including symptoms linked to smoke inhalation. These staff members were later admitted to the hospital for medical observation and treatment.

Medical experts say that smoke inhalation is one of the most dangerous consequences of hospital fires, especially in enclosed spaces such as intensive care units where patients may already be in critical health conditions.

Suspected Electrical Issue Under Investigation

Preliminary statements from local authorities indicate that the fire may have been caused by a suspected electrical short circuit inside the trauma care unit. However, officials emphasised that the exact cause will only be confirmed after a detailed investigation.

Technical teams have begun examining electrical systems and other infrastructure components within the affected section of the hospital. Authorities are also reviewing safety equipment, fire alarms, and emergency response systems installed in the facility.

Experts note that electrical faults are among the most common causes of fires in healthcare institutions due to the large number of medical devices and continuous electricity usage in intensive care environments.

However, officials have urged caution against drawing premature conclusions until the investigation is completed.

Government Orders Judicial Inquiry

Following the incident, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, visited the hospital to assess the situation and meet officials involved in the rescue efforts. After reviewing preliminary reports, the state government ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.

The Chief Minister stated that strict action would be taken if the investigation identifies negligence or violations of safety standards. Authorities have also assured that the findings of the inquiry will be made public once the review process is complete.

Officials said the purpose of the investigation is to determine the sequence of events, identify potential lapses, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Government departments responsible for healthcare infrastructure and safety regulations have also been asked to submit reports related to fire preparedness in medical institutions across the state.

Financial Assistance Announced for Victims’ Families

In response to the tragedy, the state government announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. According to officials, an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased patient.

The announcement was made during the Chief Minister’s visit to the hospital, where he met relatives of victims and assured them of government support during the difficult time.

Officials said the state administration will also assist affected families in completing legal and administrative formalities related to the compensation.

Prime Minister Expresses Condolences

The tragic incident has also drawn responses from national leaders. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

In a message shared through official communication channels, the Prime Minister extended condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Authorities announced that financial assistance will also be provided through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. According to the statement, the families of the deceased will receive ₹2 lakh each, while injured individuals will be given ₹50,000 as relief support.

Concerns Over Hospital Fire Safety

The incident has once again brought attention to fire safety preparedness in hospitals, particularly in critical care areas such as ICUs. Healthcare experts say that hospitals require specialised safety measures due to the presence of oxygen cylinders, electrical equipment, and patients who may not be able to evacuate on their own.

Fire safety specialists stress that regular safety audits, updated electrical infrastructure, and functional emergency response systems are essential to minimise risks in healthcare facilities.

Over the years, several similar incidents in medical institutions across India have raised questions about whether safety guidelines are being implemented consistently.

Experts say hospitals should conduct routine fire drills, maintain functional alarm systems, and ensure that staff are trained in emergency evacuation procedures.

Impact on Patients and Families

The incident has caused distress among patients and families who had relatives admitted to the hospital at the time of the fire. Some patients were shifted to other wards or nearby hospitals as a precautionary measure.

Hospital administrators have urged the public to remain calm and assured that medical services will continue while safety inspections are carried out in the affected areas.

Authorities have also set up help desks to assist families seeking information about patients who were in the trauma care unit when the fire occurred.

Medical teams are continuing to monitor injured patients and those who were exposed to smoke during the incident.

Investigation Expected to Guide Future Safety Measures

As the judicial inquiry begins its work, officials say the findings will help determine whether structural changes or policy reforms are necessary to strengthen safety standards in healthcare institutions.

Government officials indicated that the investigation will focus not only on the immediate cause of the fire but also on broader aspects such as emergency preparedness, building safety compliance, and equipment maintenance.

Experts believe that the conclusions of the inquiry may lead to stricter monitoring of hospital safety infrastructure across Odisha and potentially other states as well.

For now, authorities continue to prioritise medical care for the injured and support for the families affected by the tragic event. The incident has left the local community in shock and has prompted renewed discussions about ensuring that hospitals remain safe environments for patients seeking care.