Tragic Fire at Odisha Hospital ICU Kills Several, Amit Shah & PM Modi Express Grief

A massive fire in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has resulted in several deaths and injuries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the site, announced ex-gratia payments, and ordered a high-level judicial inquiry into the incident. State authorities are engaged in relief operations and providing medical care to the injured.

Key Points: Fire at Cuttack's SCB Hospital ICU: Amit Shah, PM Modi React

  • Fire broke out in trauma care ICU
  • Several fatalities and injuries reported
  • Amit Shah and PM Modi offer condolences
  • Odisha CM announces compensation & judicial inquiry
  • Relief and rescue operations underway
4 min read

Amit Shah expresses grief over tragic incident occurred at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack

Union Home Minister Amit Shah & PM Narendra Modi express sorrow over the fatal fire at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Odisha CM announces ex-gratia & inquiry.

"The incident at SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha, is extremely tragic. - Amit Shah"

New Delhi, March 16

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack. It a major government-run medical institution in Odisha where several people lost their lives following a massive fire that broke out in the trauma care ICU of the medical institution.

The incident reportedly happened around 3 am leading to the loss of several lives and injuries to others, triggering widespread concern and grief.

In a message posted on HMOIndia X handle, Shah described the incident as "extremely painful" and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

He said the loss of life in such an unfortunate event is deeply distressing and expressed solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.

"The incident at SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha, is extremely tragic. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. The Odisha government is engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah posted on X.

Shah also noted that the government of Odisha has initiated relief and rescue operations immediately after the incident.

As per officials, state authorities and emergency teams are working on the ground to assist victims, provide medical care to the injured and ensure that necessary support reaches the affected families.

Hospital authorities and local administration are reportedly monitoring the condition of the injured patients and providing them with necessary treatment.

SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of the oldest and largest government medical institutions in eastern India and serves as a major referral hospital for patients from across Odisha and neighbouring states. The hospital frequently handles a high volume of patients and provides specialised medical care in multiple disciplines.

While the exact cause and circumstances of the incident are yet to be officially detailed, authorities are expected to review the situation and take appropriate steps to ensure safety and prevent such occurrences in the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stated the mishap at the hospital was "painful", and offered condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, the PMO also announced "an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Regarding the unfortunate incident, PM Modi also spoke with Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi over the telephone and held a detailed discussion.

"I informed him (PM) about the emergency measures taken for all those affected, the process of shifting patients, and the special medical care being provided to them. I also briefed him about the high-level judicial inquiry ordered by the state government into the incident," Odisha CM posted on X.

Earlier today, Odisha CM mentioned in his post, "I personally visited SCB Medical College and reviewed the situation. I have also directed the administration to ensure that all possible government assistance is provided to the affected people. All concerned departments and teams are working continuously in full coordination.

During this sensitive time, I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his compassionate concern and his assurance of all necessary support."

Majhi expressed deep sorrow after learning about the tragic fire incident at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire and announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 25 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF).

During his visit to the hospital, the Chief Minister met patients undergoing treatment and their relatives, offering them reassurance and support. He also directed the concerned departments and medical authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for other patients who were shifted from the ICU following the incident.

Further, the Chief Minister ordered a departmental inquiry to investigate the cause and circumstances of the fire incident.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad news. While the ex-gratia announcements by PM and CM are welcome, it cannot bring back lost lives. We need accountability. Our government hospitals are overburdened and often lack basic fire safety. This should be a wake-up call for audits across all major hospitals in India.
R
Robert G
A terrible incident. Good to see the political leadership from both the centre and state responding swiftly with condolences and support. The coordination for rescue and relief seems to be in place. Hope the judicial inquiry leads to concrete steps to prevent such accidents.
A
Anjali F
Om Shanti. This is so painful. These patients were already in critical condition in the ICU, and then this happens. The staff and doctors at SCB work so hard under pressure. I hope they are also given support. The focus now must be on the injured and the families who have lost everything.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while expressions of grief and financial assistance are important, we hear this after every tragedy. When will we see proactive investment in modernizing our public healthcare infrastructure? Fire audits, working equipment, trained personnel – these are non-negotiable. Promises after the fact are not enough.
M
Michelle N
A devastating loss. Heart goes out to Cuttack. It's positive that the CM visited personally and the PM has assured support. The real test will be in the implementation of the inquiry's recommendations. Hope this leads to safer hospitals for everyone.

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