Investigation Launched into Cuttack Hospital Fire Tragedy
Synopsis
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has formed a six-member team to investigate the tragic fire at SCB Medical College in Cuttack, which claimed 10 lives. This swift action follows earlier orders for a judicial inquiry, emphasizing accountability and support for affected families.
Key Takeaways
Cuttack Hospital Fire: A tragic incident resulting in 10 patient fatalities.
Investigation Initiated: A six-member team has been formed to investigate the causes.
Compensation Announced: Families of the deceased will receive Rs 25 lakh each.
Judicial Inquiry: A previous order for a judicial inquiry emphasizes accountability.
Support for Families: CM Majhi has directed assistance for affected families and patients.
Bhubaneswar, March 16 (NationPress) In a decisive move, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has established a six-member team to investigate the devastating fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which tragically resulted in the loss of 10 patients' lives.
As per an official announcement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Deoranjan Kumar Singh, the Development Commissioner, will lead the Fact-Finding Team.
Other members appointed to the team include Dr. Umashankar Dash, the Inspector General of the Fire Services department; Barada Prasanna Dash, Chief Electrical Inspector; Birinchi Narayan Pradhan, EIC of the Urban Public Health Department; Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer (Buildings); and Prof. (Dr.) Santosh Kumar Mishra, Director of Medical Education and Training.
The Chief Minister has instructed the team to deliver its findings by the end of the day.
“This committee will conduct a site visit at SCB Medical College and Hospital and report back to the Chief Secretary by this evening,” the order states.
Earlier, Majhi had mandated a judicial inquiry into the unfortunate deaths and promised strict action should any negligence be uncovered during the investigation.
Reports indicate that the fire ignited in the Intensive Care Unit of the Trauma Care Centre at SCB hospital around 2:30–3 a.m., likely due to an electrical short circuit, leading to 10 fatalities and injuries to several others.
In response to the incident, CM Majhi visited SCB Medical College to assess the situation firsthand and directed local authorities to provide comprehensive support to the impacted families and patients.
He also met with the injured patients receiving care at the hospital, announcing a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each family of the deceased.
In a show of solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in the Cuttack hospital fire and declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each victim.
Point of View
And the swift response from both state and national leaders indicates the gravity of the situation. A focus on transparency and support for the affected families is crucial as investigations unfold.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at SCB Medical College?
The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit in the Intensive Care Unit.
How many lives were lost in the incident?
The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 10 patients' lives.
What compensation has been announced for the victims' families?
An ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh has been announced for each family of the deceased patients.
Who is leading the fact-finding team?
The fact-finding team is chaired by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh.
What actions have been promised by the Chief Minister?
Chief Minister Majhi has assured stringent action against any negligence found during the investigation.
