A devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital late Sunday night has claimed the lives of at least 10 patients and left five others in critical condition, sending shockwaves across the state.

According to initial reports, the blaze erupted around midnight in one of the hospital wards when most patients and attendants were asleep. Within minutes, flames and thick smoke engulfed the area, creating panic and chaos inside the ward. Witnesses described scenes of confusion as patients struggled to escape the choking fumes while attendants cried for help.

Panic and Rescue Operations Inside the Hospital

Hospital staff were among the first responders and immediately initiated emergency measures to control the fire and evacuate patients. The hospital’s internal firefighting team attempted to contain the flames before local fire services arrived at the scene.

Three fire tenders were deployed, and after a prolonged effort, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were quickly shifted to the medicine block to prevent further casualties. Their timely evacuation helped avert a larger disaster.

Ten Lives Lost in the Tragedy

The tragic incident claimed the lives of ten patients from different parts of Odisha. The deceased have been identified as Ramesh Chandra Parida, Darshu Munda, MD Nyum, Gouranga Chandra Barik, Sheikh Abdul Satar, Madhusudan Dalai, Krishnachandra Bishwal, Rabindra Dash, Cheru Parida, and Menaka Raut.

Authorities have begun the process of identification and post-mortem examinations while hospital and government officials are assisting the grieving families during this difficult time.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

The exact cause of the fire remains unclear. Preliminary suspicion points towards either an electrical short circuit or possible administrative lapses. Police and fire department officials have launched a detailed investigation to determine the origin of the blaze.

A senior police officer assured the media that a thorough probe would be conducted and accountability would be fixed if negligence is found.

Chief Minister Visits Site, Announces Compensation

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital early Monday morning to assess the situation. During his visit, he reviewed the damage, met with hospital authorities, and spoke with emergency response teams.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the family of each deceased patient. He also ordered a high-level departmental inquiry into the incident to ensure such tragedies do not occur in the future.

Questions Raised Over Hospital Safety

The incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety and infrastructure management at the historic SCB Medical College and Hospital, one of the oldest and largest healthcare institutions in the state.

Reports indicate that the hospital has witnessed fire incidents in the past as well, prompting criticism from medical experts and civil society. Many citizens and healthcare professionals are now demanding stronger safety protocols and regular infrastructure audits to protect patients.

City in Mourning as Investigation Continues

The tragic fire has left the city of Cuttack in deep mourning. Families of the victims are struggling to cope with the sudden loss, while concerns grow over safety standards in public healthcare facilities.

Meanwhile, the five injured patients are currently under close medical supervision, and doctors remain hopeful about their recovery. Authorities have assured strict action if any negligence or safety lapses are discovered during the investigation.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in hospitals to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.