A devastating fire broke out at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, in the early hours of March 16, 2026. The fire, which took place in the trauma care unit, claimed the lives of at least 10 patients and left 11 hospital staff injured. The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the ICU’s air conditioning system or medical equipment, although a thorough investigation is underway. Initial reports reveal that the fire started around 3 AM on the first floor of the trauma care unit, where 23 patients were being treated. Seven individuals died on the spot, while three others succumbed to smoke inhalation after they were rescued from the affected area.
Despite swift action from hospital staff and fire safety personnel, the intensity of the blaze and the thick smoke proved to be fatal for many of the patients who were already in critical condition. Fire tenders battled the flames for hours, but the hospital's emergency protocols and quick response helped save numerous lives. The Odisha government has ordered a judicial enquiry to investigate the incident and ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
The SCB Medical College and Hospital, which was established in 1944, is one of the largest government medical institutions in eastern India and serves as the largest referral hospital in Odisha. The tragedy has sparked renewed concerns over fire safety protocols in public hospitals and the need for better infrastructure to protect vulnerable patients. In response to the incident, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital, met with the victims' families, and announced compensation for the deceased.
