Tragic Incident in Early Hours
A devastating fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College Hospital in the early hours of Monday (March 16, 2026), claiming ten lives and leaving several others seriously injured. Preliminary reports indicate that an electrical short circuit triggered the blaze.
Swift Response and Emergency Evacuation
Soon after the incident, Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital and confirmed the severity of the situation. The fire, which erupted in the trauma care ICU, also affected adjacent wards.
Authorities immediately shifted 23 patients admitted on the first floor of the trauma care unit. However, despite the rapid evacuation, seven patients died during the transfer, while three more succumbed to injuries later in the ICU.
Chaos and Rescue Efforts Amid Smoke
As reported by The Hindu, the fire reportedly began around 2:30 a.m., when attendants noticed thick smoke billowing from the ICU, which housed critically injured accident victims from across Odisha. Although the fire services were alerted promptly, they took nearly 30 minutes to arrive.
In the meantime, hospital staff, security personnel, and patient relatives initiated rescue efforts. They attempted to control the fire and evacuate patients, many of whom complained of severe breathing distress due to dense smoke.
Eyewitness Account Highlights Human Loss
The tragedy deeply affected families of patients. Amitabh Dalai, whose father was admitted in the ICU following an accident, shared that his father’s condition had been improving and discharge was expected soon. However, by the time he reached the hospital after being informed about the fire, his father had already passed away.
Injuries and Patient Relocation
Authorities shifted patients to the New Medicine building and orthopaedic wards to ensure continued treatment. Additionally, 11 hospital staff members, including private security guards, sustained injuries during the rescue operations. Fortunately, their conditions remain stable.
Government Announces Compensation and Support
Calling the incident tragic and unfortunate, the Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased victim.
Meanwhile, Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Similarly, Narendra Modi conveyed deep sorrow and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
High-Level Probe Ordered
In response to the incident, the Chief Minister constituted a high-level fact-finding committee led by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh. The committee visited the hospital and was tasked with submitting its report promptly.
Furthermore, the state government ordered a judicial inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. A six-member commission, headed by retired district judge Laxmidhar Biswal, will investigate the incident and submit its findings within 60 days.
Political Reactions and Call for Accountability
Naveen Patnaik, Leader of the Opposition, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. He extended condolences to the affected families and urged authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Later, he visited the hospital to assess the situation and interact with patients.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Safety Reforms
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen fire safety systems in healthcare facilities. As investigations continue, authorities have assured strict action against any lapses, aiming to prevent such devastating events in the future.