At least 10 critically ill patients were killed in a devastating fire that broke out in the early hours of Monday, March 16, 2026, at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha.
The blaze erupted between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) located on the first floor of the government-run hospital.
Seven succumbed during the frantic evacuation process, and three others died later while receiving treatment in other units.
Hospital employees and security personnel suffered burns and smoke inhalation while risking their lives to rescue patients.
Many of the 23 patients in the unit were on ventilators and oxygen support, making it extremely difficult to move them quickly as smoke engulfed the ward.
Chief Minister Majhi has ordered a formal judicial probe to investigate potential negligence and safety lapses.
The Odisha Government announced ₹25 lakh (approx. $30,000) for the next of kin of each deceased patient. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep pain over the tragedy.
