10 Dead After Massive Fire in ICU of SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack; Odisha CM Majhi Visits Site

Ten patients died and several others were badly injured after a fire hit the intensive care unit of SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack, in the early hours of 16 March 2026. The blaze, which officials said followed an electrical short circuit, affected the trauma care block and nearby wards. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital soon after the incident.

Hospital staff, including private security guards, joined the rescue effort as smoke spread through the building. As many as 11 employees were hurt while helping patients out of danger and were later treated. Doctors described their conditions as stable. Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik and Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh both raised serious concerns over hospital safety.

SCB Medical College Hospital fire: rescue, deaths and patient condition

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, "A short while ago, a major fire had broken out in the ICU of the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College Hospital. Adjacent wards were also affected. As many as 23 patients undergoing treatment on the first floor of trauma care were shifted," describing the scale of evacuation as the fire spread.

During the chaotic transfer of patients from the affected ICU and adjoining wards, some patients did not survive. Mr. Majhi stated, "While shifting, seven patients succumbed to injuries. Subsequently, another three patients died in the ICU during treatment," confirming that all ten deaths were linked to the same blaze inside the trauma care complex.

SCB Medical College Hospital fire: compensation, medical care and probe

The Odisha Chief Minister announced financial support and promised continued treatment for survivors. Mr. Majhi said, "This is unfortunate and tragic incident. I pray for peace for departed soul. I have directed the Health Department to provide best of the treatment for those who have been rescued. I have announced Rs. 25 lakh each ex-gratia for the family members of the deceased," outlining the relief package.

Many of the rescued patients were moved to medicine, orthopaedic and other wards within SCB Medical College Hospital. The Chief Minister directed officials to keep specialist teams ready. Mr. Majhi later added that a judicial inquiry would examine every aspect of the blaze, saying, "I am directing a judicial probe into the incident. Immediate actions will be taken if any lapses are found in the probe."

Opposition leaders and local authorities demanded strong corrective steps. Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over the deaths at SCB Medical College and extended condolences to the families. Patnaik also sought the best possible treatment for those badly injured. Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh said there were serious lapses in installing proper fire prevention systems at the hospital.

Mr. Majhi stressed that the government had already started wider fire safety work in health facilities across Odisha. He said, "I had given directions to make all hospital buildings fireproof after my government came to power. I have personally issued directions to take steps to prevent fire in health institutes. My government had made budgetary provision of ₹320 core for fire prevention in 2025-26 budget. And, ₹420 core has been proposed in the current budget (2026-27) for the same," highlighting earlier planning.

The Chief Minister underlined that these efforts were being pushed across districts. Mr. Majhi said, "Before our government, similar provisions had not been made. Keeping in critical aspects, we have been making efforts in the past two years. Fire prevention measures are being taken in all hospitals on a war footing. I am directing all departments to complete the fire-prevention infrastructure," calling for faster completion of pending work.

Law enforcement agencies were also asked to inspect arrangements at SCB Medical College Hospital. Mr. Majhi stated, "I have directed the Director General of Police to personally examine the fire prevention measures in place at SCB Medical College Hospital. He will ensure fire-proof compliance," indicating that police would check whether rules were followed before the incident.