CUTTACK: A catastrophic fire at the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack claimed the lives of ten patients early Monday morning. The blaze erupted between 2:30 AM and 3 AM, resulting in chaos as critically ill patients were trapped in the ICU during treatment. Multiple fire engines and emergency teams swiftly responded to the scene, attempting to control the flames and evacuate those in danger.

At least eleven hospital staff members sustained burn injuries while heroically working to save patients stuck inside the intensive care unit. Officials reported that during the emergency evacuation, 23 patients were successfully relocated to other wards. Tragically, seven critically ill patients lost their lives while being transferred and three more later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to ten.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital shortly after the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. He announced the formation of a judicial inquiry to explore the origins of the fire, which he tentatively suggested may have been caused by a short circuit. Majhi directed officials to ensure uninterrupted medical care for all affected patients and pledged Rs 25 lakh in compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for each family of the deceased.

The Chief Minister further instructed the Director General of the Fire Service to conduct immediate investigations into the matter and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations at SCB Medical College. "If any negligence is discovered during the inquiry, strict actions will be taken," he assured the public.

As one of the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, SCB Medical College plays a vital role in providing medical services to thousands of patients across the state. In light of this devastating incident, officials are meticulously examining safety measures currently in place and the circumstances that led to this tragic fire.