March 16, 2026 — Cuttack, Odisha, India A massive fire erupted in the trauma care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, killing at least 10 patients and injuring 11 others early Monday morning.
The blaze broke out around 2:30-3:00 a.m. in the first-floor ICU, where 23 patients were receiving treatment, according to reports from Hindustan Times and NDTV. No children were among the casualties. Hospital staff evacuated patients amid challenges due to insufficient doctors and nurses present at the time.
Casualties and Cause
The death toll stood at 10 patients initially, with one report updating it to 11 as another succumbed to injuries. Seven died during transfer to other wards, and three more shortly after. Additionally, at least 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while aiding rescues. A short circuit is suspected as the cause, though not confirmed.
Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack stated:
Seven patients died during shifting, and the remaining three died soon after.
Evacuation efforts were hampered, as he noted a shortage of medical personnel.
Official Response
Firefighters from the hospital’s unit and Cuttack Fire Station deployed three fire tenders and over 30 personnel to douse the flames. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the site, reviewed the situation, and ordered a judicial probe. He announced compensation of ₹25 lakh for each deceased patient’s family and directed proper treatment for the injured.
A total of 23 patients have been shifted to other departments. Seven serious patients died while shifting to other ICUs and wards, while another three patients died later. I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients,
Majhi told media, as quoted by NDTV. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling also inspected the hospital.
The SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of Odisha’s largest government healthcare facilities. This incident follows a tornado in the state’s Mayurbhanj district the previous day, which killed two but is unrelated.