At least 10 patients died, and 11 hospital staff suffered burn injuries after a massive fire erupted in the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday. The blaze, suspected to have started from an electrical short circuit around 2:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., affected the first floor where 23 critically ill patients were receiving treatment, many on ventilators and oxygen support.

Hospital staff, including private security guards, rushed to evacuate patients despite the challenges posed by smoke and fire. Seven patients succumbed during the shifting process to other wards and ICUs, while three more died shortly after in treatment. Three fire tenders and over 30 firefighters brought the flames under control, though some reports noted initial delays due to limited staff presence.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the site shortly after the incident. He announced an ex gratia payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of each deceased patient and directed authorities to provide the best possible treatment for the injured and rescued patients. "This is an unfortunate and tragic incident," Majhi said, adding that he had previously instructed fireproofing measures for hospitals, with ₹320 crore allocated in the 2025-26 budget and ₹420 crore proposed for 2026-27.

Majhi ordered a judicial probe into the cause and any potential lapses, along with an inspection of fire safety measures at the hospital by the Director General of Police. He emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance fire prevention infrastructure across state health facilities.

SCB Medical College and Hospital, one of Odisha's premier government-run institutions, has faced scrutiny over fire safety in the past. Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh pointed to serious lapses in the hospital's fire prevention apparatus. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences and called for the best treatment for survivors.

The incident underscores persistent challenges in maintaining safety standards in overcrowded public hospitals, where critically ill patients rely heavily on life-support systems. Investigations are underway, with authorities promising swift action if negligence is found. As of Monday evening, the injured staff were reported in stable condition, and the remaining patients had been relocated to safer wards.