Bhubaneswar: A major fire broke out in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack late at night, triggering a major emergency response.
Initial local reports suggested that at least 10 people died and several others suffered injuries, though authorities have not yet issued an official confirmation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X, he announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund will be given to the next of kin of each deceased.
“The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” he said.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi arrived at the hospital and met hospital authorities and police officers to assess the situation.
Majhi expressed deep grief over the tragic fire and conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
In a post on X, the chief minister also announced an ex gratia assistance of RS 25 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased.
He met patients undergoing treatment and their relatives and offered reassurance. He directed the concerned departments and hospital authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the patients shifted from the ICU.
The CM also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.
According to media reports, the blaze started on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU in the Emergency Department at around 2:30 AM, according to preliminary information.
Firefighters rushed to the hospital soon after the incident. The hospital’s fire unit began the first firefighting operation, and authorities later deployed three additional fire engines to bring the flames under control.
Hospital staff and emergency teams immediately evacuated patients from the affected ICU. Rescue teams shifted more than 10 critically ill patients to the New Medicine ICU for treatment. Their condition remains critical.
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire.