Ten Patients Killed in Hospital ICU Fire in Odisha, India

A devastating fire at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, claimed the lives of ten patients early Monday morning. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, erupted in the trauma care intensive care unit around 02:30 local time. Eleven hospital staff members sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue patients from the flames.

The fire affected not only the trauma care ICU but also an adjoining ICU and wards. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that all ten deceased were patients in the ICU. During the emergency evacuation, 23 patients were present, and ten died while being moved to safer areas. Five individuals were reported to be critically wounded, with the exact cause of their injuries still unclear.

In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Majhi announced a judicial inquiry to investigate the incident, promising strict action against anyone deemed responsible. He also stated that the state government would provide financial compensation of approximately $2,160 to the families of the victims. Emergency medical treatment will be provided for the injured staff, who were praised for risking their lives during the rescue efforts.

Hospital fires are alarmingly common in India, frequently attributed to electrical faults and inadequate safety measures. Past incidents include a fire in Rajasthan last October that killed six critically ill patients and another devastating blaze in a neonatal ICU in Jhansi that claimed the lives of ten newborns in 2024. The high density of electrical equipment and oxygen systems in hospitals, combined with poorly maintained wiring, creates a hazardous environment, particularly during emergencies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, labeling the incident as “deeply painful.” This tragedy highlights a critical need for improved safety protocols in hospitals across India. As the nation grapples with the implications of this disaster, the focus will likely shift to enforcing stricter regulations to prevent future occurrences and safeguard patients and healthcare workers alike.