At least 10 patients died after a major fire broke out in the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar in the early hours of Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.
The blaze erupted in the Trauma Care ICU of the government-run hospital between 2.30 am and 3 am, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment. According to the chief minister, there were 23 patients in the Trauma Care ICU, an adjacent ICU and a nearby ward when the fire broke out.
Seven patients died in the blaze itself, while three others succumbed to burn injuries or suffocation during evacuation, taking the death toll to 10, Majhi told reporters.
CM Majhi Orders Probe, Announces Ex-Gratia
The chief minister, who rushed to the hospital after the incident, said 11 hospital staff members sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue patients and shift them to safer areas within the facility.
Fire service personnel, along with hospital staff, police and attendants of patients, carried out rescue operations and moved those undergoing treatment in the ICU to other departments of the hospital.
Officials suspect that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit.
Majhi ordered a judicial probe into the incident and directed the Director General of Fire Services to immediately investigate the cause of the blaze. He also instructed the official to personally visit the hospital and ensure compliance with fire safety norms.
“If anyone is found responsible after the judicial inquiry, strict action will be taken,” the chief minister said.
Majhi, accompanied by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital and reviewed the situation. He also met injured patients and staff undergoing treatment at the facility and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for them.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each of the deceased.
The chief minister said 11 medical staff members who risked their lives during the rescue operation were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Majhi also noted that after assuming office, he had directed authorities to strengthen fire safety measures in government-run medical facilities. The state government had allocated Rs 320 crore in the 2025–26 budget for installing firefighting systems in hospitals, while another Rs 400 crore has been earmarked for the 2026–27 financial year.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the deaths and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He is also expected to visit the hospital, according to a statement from his office.
(With inputs from PTI)