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12 Dead in Odisha Hospital Fire, CM Orders Judicial Probe

A devastating fire at the Trauma Care Centre of SCB Medical College in Cuttack, Odisha, has resulted in the deaths of 12 patients. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the site, announced compensation, and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced financial assistance from the PM Relief Fund. The state government has constituted investigative committees and pledged significant budgetary allocations for improving hospital fire safety.

Key Points: Cuttack Hospital Fire: 12 Dead, Judicial Probe Ordered

  • 12 patients killed in ICU fire
  • 11 staff injured in rescue
  • Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for families
  • Judicial inquiry ordered by state
2 min read

Odisha: Death toll rises to 12 in Cuttack Medical College fire tragedy; CM orders Judicial probe

12 patients killed in SCB Medical College fire. CM Majhi announces compensation, PM Modi offers aid, and a judicial inquiry is ordered.

"The CM announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. - Official Statement"

Cuttack, March 17

A tragic fire incident at the Trauma Care Centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack claimed the lives of 12 patients.

The incident occurred at the SCB Medical College and Hospital's Trauma Care ICU centre in Cuttack on early hour on Monday.

Minister of Health Mukesh Mahaling stated in the Odisha Assembly that a fire broke out in the first-floor ICU, following which hospital staff quickly evacuated 23 patients from the ICU and nearby wards.

Despite the prompt response, 7 critically ill patients died at the site, while 5 others later succumbed during treatment after being shifted to other wards.

In the rescue operation, 11 hospital staff members sustained injuries while saving patients. All injured staff are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be out of danger.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the incident and visited the hospital in the early hours of March 16. He met the affected families and directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. The CM announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to the Chief Minister and expressed condolences. He announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM National Relief Fund.

President Droupadi Murmu and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also expressed grief over the tragedy.

The state government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, to be led by retired Justice Laxmidhar Biswal. Additionally, an inter-departmental fact-finding committee headed by Development Commissioner D.K. Singh has been constituted to investigate the cause of the fire.

The government stated that fire audits of over 2,000 medical institutions in the state have already been completed, and steps are being taken to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in hospitals.

Budgetary allocations of Rs 320 crore for 2025-26 and Rs 400 crore for 2026-27 have been earmarked for fire safety measures.

Authorities have assured strict action against those found responsible and emphasised measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The staff who got injured while saving patients are the real heroes. Salute to their courage. But serious questions need to be asked about fire safety audits. If they were completed, how did this happen? The inquiry must answer this.
A
Aman W
Ex-gratia and condolences are important, but they don't bring lives back. We hear about fire audits and budget allocations only after a tragedy. Why is our system always reactive? Prevention should be the priority.
S
Sarah B
A trauma care ICU of all places... where patients are most vulnerable. This is a massive systemic failure. The fact-finding committee must look into maintenance contracts, equipment checks, and staff training protocols. Thoughts with Odisha.
V
Vikram M
The difference in compensation announced by the state (25 lakh) and centre (2 lakh) is noticeable. While any help is welcome, a standardized, dignified compensation policy for such national tragedies is needed. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
Hope Justice Biswal's inquiry is thorough. We need to know if it was an electrical short circuit, negligence in storing flammable materials, or something else. Only then can real corrective measures be taken. Om Shanti.

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