Odisha tragedy: At least 10 killed in hospital fire in Cuttack, CM Majhi rushes to spot | What we know so far
The fire erupted between 2.30 am and 3 am on Monday at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the trauma department of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack. At least 10 have died, while 11 others are injured. Here's everything we know so far.
At least 10 people are feared dead in a massive fire that erupted in the trauma care department of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack early on Monday morning.
News agency PTI, citing Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, reported that at least 10 people had perished in the fire.
Around 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while rescuing patients to safety, PTI reported, while Hindustan Times added that five of those injured were in a critical condition.
"A total of 23 patients have been shifted to other departments. Seven serious patients died while shifting to other ICUs and wards, while another three persons died later," CM Majhi was quoted as saying by PTI.
"I have directed the concerned officers for proper treatment of the injured patients," the CM added.
Later on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief at the tragedy, saying, “The mishap at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is deeply painful. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
What we know so far
The fire erupted early on Monday morning at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the trauma care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated.
An official told PTI that the blaze erupted between 2.30 am and 3 am on Monday.
Soon after the fire broke out, fire service personnel rushed to the hospital and doused put out the blaze, authorities said.
Soon after getting the news, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, visited the hospital and reviewed the situation.
The CM also visited patients who are under treatment at the facility, reported PTI.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also offered his condolences after news of the tragedy broke.
"The fire incident at SCB Medical in Cuttack resulting in the deaths of several people is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the grieving family members, along with prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls," Patnaik wrote in a post in Odia on X.
He also urged the state government to provide the best medical facilities to those injured.
What caused the fire?
An official investigation will probe the cause of the fire, but no foul play is suspected.
CM Majhi told reporters that the fire was sparked by a suspected short-circuit.
Majhi has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, the Odisha CMO said.
Ex-gratia announced by CMO and PMO
Shortly after news of the tragedy broke, Odisha CM Majhi also announced ex-gratia for the kin of the deceased.
The ex-gratia amount will be ₹25 lakh, the CMO said, adding the payments will be made from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
Later in the day, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be paid to the kin of the deceased.
About the Author
Shiladitya Ray specializes in covering geopolitics and science, and believes in communicating complex information through accessible, compelling, and if possible, visually engaging narratives. He has nearly 10 years of experience in digital media, and has been an Associate Editor with Mint for five months.<br><br> Shiladitya holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University, and two master's degrees in Development Studies and Sociology from TISS, Hyderabad and Delhi School of Economics respectively.<br><br> Shiladitya has also completed a Data Journalism fellowship with Google News Initiative (GNI), where he was a standout performer. He was subsequently invited as a speaker to GNI's AI Skills Workshop held in 2025, where he shared his previous work and experience in leveraging generative AI tools for data visualization with an audience of senior newsroom editors.<br><br> Prior to joining Mint, Shiladitya was a Chief Sub-Editor with Deccan Herald, and has previously worked for digital media startups NewsBytes and Opoyi. He has also served as an academic editor for Cactus Communications, where he worked with scholars on manuscripts meant for journal publication.<br><br> Shiladitya is based out of Delhi, is an avid reader, and has a keen interest in world affairs, science, philosophy, music, and football.