A tragic fire at a major government-run hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has claimed the lives of 10 critically ill patients.
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Monday, March 16, 2026, within the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of the SCB Medical College and Hospital. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that a suspected electrical short circuit triggered the fire on the building’s first floor, where 23 patients were being treated at the time.
While 13 patients were successfully evacuated to other wards, 10 others succumbed to the incident—seven during the immediate blaze and three shortly after being moved.
The rescue effort was marked by the bravery of hospital staff and security personnel; at least 11 employees sustained burn injuries or suffered from smoke inhalation while attempting to pull patients from the smoke-filled unit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy, describing it as “deeply painful” and announcing a federal compensation of ₹2 lakh (approximately ₦3,000,000) for the families of the deceased.
Additionally, the Odisha state government has pledged ₹25 lakh (₦37,500,000) in ex-gratia assistance to the victims’ kin and ordered a judicial inquiry to investigate potential lapses in fire safety protocols.
This incident follows a string of similar tragedies in Indian healthcare facilities over the past two years, reigniting concerns over aging infrastructure and electrical maintenance in public hospitals.
