10 killed in fire at SCB Medical Hospital in Odisha, CM Majhi announces ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for next of kin

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after a fire broke out at the hospital's Trauma Care ICU.

At least 10 patients died after a fire broke out at the ICU of a trauma care centre at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack on Monday.

According to eye witnesses, the fire broke out between 2.30am and 3am. Soon after receiving information, fire brigade teams reached the spot to douse the flames and bring the blaze under control.

VIDEO | Cuttack: A major fire erupted in an ICU in Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital here in the wee hours of Monday, leaving at least ten patients killed and eleven injured. More details awaited.

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/WlyePmWHOQ — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 16, 2026

Gyan Ranjan Nayak, relative of a patient undergoing treatment at the hospital, said, "We were sleeping outside around 2-2.30am. It was then that I saw that there was smoke everywhere. Suddenly, the AC burst into flames. The fire system wasn't working. The fire tenders reached the spot but several people have died..."

Janu Mohammad, relative of another patient admitted at the hospital for 20 days, said, "We had donated blood here, hoping that the operation would take place today...I have come to know that 8-10 people have died...We don't know the condition of the patient..."

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi rushed to the hospital after the incident and confirmed the casualties. According to him, seven patients, who were on ventilator support at the ICU, died due to suffocation. Three others died while being shifted to other wards during the rescue operation.  The exact number of deaths is yet to be confirmed by the hospital authorities.

#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

Majhi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of those who died in the incident.

Several patients were rescued and shifted to safer wards as firefighters and hospital staff rushed to control the blaze. As per reports, their condition is said to be critical.

Former Odisha CM and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also condoled the death of the patients at the hospital. In a post on X, Patnaik said, "The fire incident at SCB Medical in Cuttack...is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the grieving family members, along with prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls...I pray for the swift recovery of those seriously injured in the fire. I urge the state government to ensure the best medical facilities for all the injured."

According to officials, 23 employees of SCB Medical College and Hospital who took part in the rescue operation were hospitalised after suffering health complications, including smoke inhalation.

CM Majhi met the patients undergoing treatment and their relatives, assuring them of full support. He further directed the health department and hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for all injured and affected patients.

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also expressed grief over the death of the patients at the hospital. In a post on X, Kambhampati said, "The affected patients have been swiftly shifted to safe locations and their treatment is continuing without disruption. My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and I wish them a speedy recovery."

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous says, who visited the hospital, demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident. "...This is a very unfortunate incident...I demand a judicial high-level inquiry within a limited timeline to understand the loopholes. To ensure such things don't happen in future, a high-level enquiry from the department is very important...Strict action is required against those involved in this negligence."

Though the exact cause of fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said it could be due to short circuit. Following the incident, Majhi ordered a judicial probe into the hospital fire and assured strict action against anyone found responsible.

Expressing grief over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs. 50,000 for those injured in the incident.