Cuttack Hospital Fire: 10 Patients Killed at SCB Medical College, Short Circuit Suspected

A devastating fire at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has claimed the lives of at least 10 patients and left several hospital staff members injured. The incident occurred early Monday morning in the trauma care unit of the state-run hospital, triggering panic among patients, doctors, and attendants present at the facility.

Authorities reported that around 11 hospital staff members were injured while responding to the emergency and assisting in evacuation efforts. Medical teams and emergency responders rushed to control the situation and move patients to safer areas as smoke quickly spread through parts of the hospital.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit, possibly linked to the air conditioning system or medical equipment installed in the intensive care unit. Officials believe the electrical fault could have sparked the blaze, which then spread rapidly through the ward.

The SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest government medical institutions in Odisha and serves thousands of patients every day. Due to the large number of critically ill patients being treated in the trauma and ICU sections, the fire created a particularly dangerous situation.

Hospital staff and emergency teams worked quickly to evacuate patients from the affected areas. Several patients were shifted to other wards and nearby medical facilities to ensure their safety and continuation of treatment. Firefighters were deployed immediately and managed to bring the flames under control after intense efforts.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in hospitals and the condition of electrical systems in critical medical facilities. Experts say that hospitals, especially intensive care units, rely heavily on electrical equipment such as ventilators, monitors, and cooling systems, making them vulnerable to electrical hazards if proper maintenance and safety checks are not carried out.

Following the incident, the Odisha government announced that a judicial inquiry would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety protocols. The investigation will examine electrical systems, fire safety preparedness, and emergency response procedures at the hospital.

Officials have also stated that a detailed inspection of other hospital buildings may be carried out to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities are expected to review whether the hospital complied with required fire safety standards and whether preventive measures were properly implemented.

Incidents involving fires in hospitals often lead to major safety reviews, as such facilities house vulnerable patients who may not be able to evacuate quickly during emergencies. The latest tragedy in Cuttack has once again highlighted the urgent need for strict safety audits and improved infrastructure in healthcare institutions.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring that injured staff members receive proper medical care. The judicial inquiry is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances that led to the deadly fire and recommend steps to strengthen safety systems in hospitals across the state.