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The fire tragedy at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack has become one of the most devastating hospital accidents in Odisha’s recent history. Here is an elaborate report on the situation as of Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Cuttack Hospital Tragedy: Death Toll Reaches 12
The death toll from the massive fire that broke out at the Trauma Care ICU of the government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital rose to 12 on Tuesday. The latest victims were identified as Pabitra Tisari (20) from Koraput and Suman Kumar Sahoo (30) from Angul, both of whom succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment in separate wards after being evacuated.
The Incident: 2:30 AM Chaos
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Monday, March 16, 2026, between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit on the first floor of the Trauma Care building.
At the time, 23 critically ill patients were admitted to the unit. The fire spread rapidly, filling the ICU with thick, toxic smoke. Because many patients were on ventilators or life-support systems, evacuation was a harrowing and complex task.
- Immediate Fatalities: 7 patients died on the spot due to suffocation or burn injuries.
- Evacuation Deaths: 3 patients died during the chaotic process of being shifted to other wards.
- Subsequent Deaths: 2 more patients died on Tuesday, bringing the total to 12.
- Injuries: 11 hospital staff members sustained burn injuries and smoke inhalation while heroically rescuing patients. Lapses and Investigation
Serious questions have been raised regarding the hospital’s safety protocols. Reports indicate that: - The automatic sprinkler system failed to activate because a control valve was allegedly left closed.
- The fire alarm system was reportedly switched off at the time of the spark.
- The fire department noted a 15-minute delay between the first signs of fire and the emergency call.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry to be led by retired district judge Laxmidhar Biswal, with a report expected within 60 days.
Political and Financial Response
The tragedy has sparked a political firestorm in the Odisha Assembly. Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has demanded the immediate resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, citing “moral responsibility” for the administrative negligence.
Financial Assistance Announced:
- Odisha Government: ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of each deceased victim.
- Central Government (PMNRF): ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
