Deadly Fire Erupts in ICU at SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha
A catastrophic fire broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 10 patients. Officials confirmed the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the region and prompted immediate government action.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts Detailed by Authorities
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital shortly after the fire and provided a grim account of the casualties. According to his statement, seven patients perished inside the ICU, while three others died during the frantic rescue operation as they were being shifted to other wards. The chief minister attributed the blaze to a suspected short circuit within the trauma care unit, highlighting potential electrical safety failures.
Firefighters and hospital staff worked tirelessly to control the flames, successfully rescuing several patients and moving them to safer wards. However, the rescue operation took a heavy toll on the responders. Officials reported that 23 employees of SCB Medical College and Hospital, who participated in the evacuation, were hospitalized due to health complications, primarily from smoke inhalation. This underscores the severe risks faced by frontline workers during such emergencies.
Judicial Probe Ordered and Government Response
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Majhi has ordered a judicial probe into the hospital fire. He assured the public that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for the incident, emphasizing accountability and safety reforms. This move aims to uncover the root causes of the fire and prevent similar disasters in the future, addressing concerns over hospital infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
The incident has raised critical questions about fire safety protocols in medical facilities across Odisha, particularly in high-risk areas like ICUs. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring robust measures to safeguard patient and staff welfare in healthcare settings.
