By Our Correspondent
National News – At least 10 patients have died after a devastating fire broke out at a government-run hospital in Cuttack city in India’s eastern Odisha state, officials confirmed on Monday.
The victims were critically ill patients receiving treatment in the trauma intensive care unit when the blaze erupted in the early hours of the morning.
Authorities said the sudden outbreak of fire caused panic among patients and medical workers as emergency responders rushed to control the situation and evacuate those trapped in the affected ward.
Officials explained that the fire started on the first floor of the SCB Medical College and Hospital, one of the region’s major government healthcare facilities.
Odisha State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told reporters that preliminary findings indicated the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit in the trauma ICU ward.
According to authorities, about 23 patients were admitted to the unit at the time of the incident.
While rescue efforts saved several lives, 10 patients sadly lost their lives due to the intensity of the smoke and flames.
Hospital staff and emergency workers acted quickly to prevent further casualties.
The remaining patients in the affected unit were immediately transferred to other wards within the hospital for continued medical treatment.
During the rescue operation, at least 11 hospital workers suffered burn injuries while trying to save patients trapped inside the ward.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, described the tragedy as “deeply painful” in a message shared on social media.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced financial compensation for those affected.
The government said families of those who died would receive about $2,160 in assistance.
Hospital fires remain a recurring safety concern across India, largely due to aging electrical systems, poor building maintenance, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
Electrical short circuits are among the leading causes of such incidents.
Similar tragedies have occurred in recent years. In 2024, a fire at a private hospital in Tamil Nadu killed six people and injured dozens.
That same year, another hospital fire in Uttar Pradesh claimed the lives of 10 newborn babies.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the latest hospital fire.
