ICU fire at SCB Medical College kills 10 patients, raises questions over hospital safety
A deadly fire tore through the intensive care unit of the trauma centre at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha early Monday. The incident claimed at least ten lives and left several patients in critical condition. The tragedy triggered panic inside one of eastern India’s largest government hospitals and forced authorities to launch an urgent rescue effort.
The fire broke out between 2:30 am and 3:00 am inside the ICU of the trauma care block. Witnesses inside the hospital first noticed smoke spreading across the ward. Soon after, flames began to rise from equipment near the patient beds. Doctors, nurses and attendants rushed to move patients out of the ward as the smoke thickened.
At that time, 23 patients received treatment inside the ICU. Many depended on ventilators and other life-support systems. Medical staff tried to disconnect equipment and shift patients quickly. However, dense smoke filled the ward within minutes. As a result, several patients lost their lives due to severe suffocation.
Firefighters reached the hospital soon after the alarm. They entered the trauma block and battled the flames. Meanwhile, hospital staff continued to evacuate patients from the affected ICU. Rescue teams shifted survivors to intensive care units in other wards of the hospital. Doctors later reported that several patients remained in critical condition.
Soon after the tragedy, Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital to review the situation. He met senior health officials and doctors and took stock of the rescue efforts. The chief minister confirmed the casualty figure and expressed concern over the loss of life. Authorities also began a preliminary inquiry into the incident.
Officials suspect a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Electrical equipment and ventilator systems operate continuously inside ICU units, which increases the risk of overheating. Investigators now plan to examine wiring, power panels and medical equipment inside the trauma block to identify the exact cause.
From the ground, the scene turned chaotic as families gathered outside the emergency ward. Many relatives rushed to the hospital after receiving calls from staff members. Some waited anxiously for updates about their loved ones. Others searched the corridors for doctors who could confirm patient conditions. Police personnel stepped in to manage the crowd and maintain order.
The hospital administration also coordinated with emergency services to secure the building. Authorities checked nearby wards to ensure that smoke did not spread to other parts of the facility. Meanwhile, doctors continued treatment for the patients who survived the fire but suffered breathing complications.
The tragedy once again highlights concerns about fire safety in large public hospitals across India. Government hospitals often handle heavy patient loads and rely on extensive electrical equipment. Therefore, regular inspections and safety drills play a crucial role in preventing such disasters.
Over the years, several hospitals in India have reported similar incidents linked to electrical faults or equipment failures. Each incident triggers calls for stricter safety checks and improved emergency response systems.
Now, authorities in Odisha face mounting pressure to review fire safety measures across major medical facilities. Officials may conduct safety audits in government hospitals to prevent another tragedy. For the families who lost their loved ones, however, the loss has already left a deep and painful mark.
