A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday, March 16, 2026, when a fire broke out in the trauma department of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. This devastating event resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals and left eleven others injured.
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The fire began at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time in the hospital’s trauma intensive care unit (ICU). State officials reported that the blaze subsequently spread to adjacent wards, compounding the emergency situation. Eyewitness accounts and reports suggest that swift evacuations occurred as hospital staff worked valiantly to rescue patients from the affected areas.
State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed the media following the incident, confirming the fatalities and injuries among both patients and hospital personnel. He noted that eleven staff members, including security personnel who attempted to assist in the evacuations, were receiving treatment for burns sustained during the crisis. “As many as 23 patients undergoing treatment on the first floor of trauma care were shifted,” Majhi stated, emphasising the efforts made to safeguard lives.
In a heart-wrenching turn, reports indicated that seven patients, who had been moved during the emergency, succumbed to their injuries shortly afterwards, while another three passed away in the ICU as they received treatment. The circumstances surrounding the fire are currently under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting that an electrical short circuit may have been the cause.
In the wake of this catastrophic event, state officials announced plans for financial compensation for the victims’ families. Chief Minister Majhi revealed that families of the deceased would receive a sum of Rs. 25 lakh, equivalent to approximately $27,000. He also confirmed that emergency measures had been put in place to aid all those affected by the tragedy.
The Chief Minister spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the incident, detailing the immediate response and the steps being taken to provide specialised medical services to the injured. “I have informed him about the emergency measures being taken for all those affected, the evacuation process, and the specialized medical services being provided to them,” he stated.
Following his visit to the hospital, Majhi instructed hospital administration to ensure that all necessary government assistance was extended to the victims and their families. He emphasised the importance of a coordinated response among various departments and agencies involved in the relief efforts.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing care and support to those impacted by the fire. Efforts are underway to thoroughly scrutinise the circumstances that led to this tragedy, and authorities are committed to preventing any recurrence of such incidents in the future.
This event has not only highlighted the vulnerabilities within healthcare facilities but also underscored the incredible dedication of medical staff who risked their own safety to protect patients. The outpouring of grief from families and the community speaks volumes about the impact of this unfortunate calamity.
In a statement reflecting on the broader implications of this tragedy, the Chief Minister observed, “All the concerned departments and teams are working tirelessly with full coordination.” As residents of Cuttack grapple with the emotional aftermath, the investigation aims to ensure accountability and bolster safety measures within Odisha’s healthcare infrastructure.