Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated on March 16, 2026, that the deadly fire at SCB Medical College’s Trauma Care ICU in Cuttack likely stemmed from an electrical short circuit around 3 AM.
CM’s Assessment and Actions
Majhi, after site visit with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, confirmed 10 patient deaths (7 in fire, 3 during evacuation) and 11 staff injuries from burns while rescuing 23 ventilator patients. He ordered a judicial probe, DG Fire Services audit for compliance, and ₹25 lakh ex-gratia per deceased family from CMRF.
Rescue and Investigation
Fire services, police, and staff contained the blaze; injured treated on-site. Majhi directed immediate safety upgrades at SCB, Odisha’s premier hospital, amid criticism over infrastructure gaps.
