Bhubaneswar, March 16 (NationPress) In a devastating episode, a minimum of 10 patients lost their lives while multiple others suffered severe burn injuries following a catastrophic fire that erupted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma care facility at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, during the early morning hours of Monday.

According to reports, the blaze ignited between 2:30 AM and 3 AM, likely due to an electrical short circuit.

After visiting the injured individuals at the hospital and assessing the circumstances, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

He also mandated a judicial inquiry into this tragic occurrence and pledged strict action against anyone found negligent in their duties that led to the fire.

Speaking to reporters, CM Majhi stated, “Not long ago, a significant fire broke out in the trauma care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital, presumably due to a short circuit. Consequently, patients being treated in the Trauma Care ICU, along with an adjacent ICU and ward, were affected.

“As the fire erupted, 23 patients on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU were relocated to safer areas. Unfortunately, seven critically ill patients passed away during the transfer, while three more succumbed after being moved to different ICUs. This is incredibly unfortunate.”

He expressed condolences to the families of those who died and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath for the swift recovery of the injured. Majhi also mentioned that he instructed the Health Department to ensure advanced treatment for those who sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving care in other ICUs and wards.

Moreover, the Chief Minister highlighted that 11 hospital staff members, including security personnel, risked their own lives to assist in the evacuation of patients. Many of them sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and flames during the transfer, but they are now stable and receiving treatment on the ground floor.

“Since our administration took office, I had previously directed the department to assess and enforce fire safety protocols in hospitals across the state. In the upcoming budget for 2025–26, we have allocated Rs 320 crore for enhancing fire safety measures, with work progressing rapidly.

“In the next fiscal year 2026–27, an allocation of Rs 400 crore has been set aside for this initiative,” the Chief Minister affirmed.

Majhi instructed officials from all departments to ensure the installation of advanced fire suppression systems in hospitals statewide.

“I have directed the Director General of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services (Sudhanshu Sarangi) to personally assess the fire safety measures and guarantee compliance at SCB Medical College and Hospital.

“I have also ordered a judicial investigation into this incident. Should negligence be identified as the cause of the fire, the government will implement stringent measures following the judicial report,” he concluded.