Mallikarjun Kharge Mourns Loss in Cuttack Hospital Fire, Calls for Support to Victims
Synopsis
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expresses profound sorrow over a catastrophic fire at SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha, which has left at least 10 patients dead and many injured. He urges Congress workers to assist affected families during this tragic time.
Key Takeaways
10 patients confirmed dead due to a fire at SCB Medical College.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expresses deep sorrow.
Compensation announced for victims' families by PM Modi and CM Majhi.
Judicial inquiry launched into the incident.
Call for Congress workers to assist affected families.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed profound sorrow on Monday regarding the devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. This tragic incident has reportedly resulted in the loss of at least 10 patients and left numerous others injured.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Kharge stated, "I am deeply saddened by the catastrophic fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least 10 patients and caused injuries to several others." He extended his condolences to the grieving families during this difficult time and expressed his hopes for the rapid recovery of the injured. Kharge also urged all Congress workers to provide any assistance possible to those affected.
Earlier in the day, both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed their condolences regarding the tragic loss of life. Prime Minister Modi, via the official account of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased patients from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Expressing his sorrow, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also shared their grief over this unfortunate incident.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the medical facility to assess the situation and met with the injured individuals receiving treatment. He announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased and committed to a judicial inquiry into the incident, promising strict action against any negligence that may have contributed to this tragedy.
Reports indicate that the fire erupted in the ICU of the Trauma Care Centre at SCB Medical College due to a suspected electrical short circuit between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Monday. Seven critically injured patients succumbed immediately, while three others passed away after being relocated to different ICUs.
Point of View
I recognize the gravity of the tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital. The loss of life and injuries caused by this incident highlight significant concerns regarding safety protocols in healthcare facilities. It is imperative that thorough investigations are conducted, and accountability is upheld to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
2 Aug 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.
How many patients lost their lives due to the fire?
At least 10 patients have reportedly died as a result of the fire.
What assistance is being provided to the victims' families?
PM Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each family of the deceased patients, while CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 25 lakh for the families.
Is there an investigation into the incident?
Yes, a judicial inquiry has been announced to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
What has Mallikarjun Kharge urged Congress workers to do?
He has urged all Congress workers to provide assistance to the families affected by this tragic incident.
