India Hospital Fire Tragedies: Timeline of Major Incidents in Recent Years A major fire at the state-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 patients, with around 11 hospital staff sustaining burn injuries while attempting to rescue individuals. The incident, which occurred on March 16, 2026, highlights the ongoing challenges of fire safety in healthcare facilities. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the casualties and emphasized the critical need for improved emergency protocols in such settings. This tragedy is part of a series of hospital fires in India that have claimed numerous lives over the past decade. Here is a timeline of significant incidents: AMRI Hospital, Kolkata (December 9, 2011) A fire broke out in the basement of the seven-storeyed AMRI Hospital’s annexe building, releasing toxic fumes that asphyxiated more than 90 people, predominantly patients. The incident exposed severe lapses in fire safety measures and emergency response systems in private healthcare institutions. Dreams Mall, Mumbai (March 25-26, 2021) A fire at Mumbai’s Dreams Mall, which housed a Covid-designated hospital, raged for over 40 hours. The blaze claimed nine lives, including patients on ventilator support, underscoring the risks of inadequate fire prevention in multi-use spaces. Vijay Vallabh Hospital, Virar (April 23, 2021) Fifteen COVID-19 patients died after a fire erupted in the ICU of Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The incident raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical care units to fire hazards during the pandemic. Patel Welfare Hospital, Bharuch (May 1, 2021) A fire at Patel Welfare Hospital in Gujarat’s Bharuch killed 18 people, including 16 COVID-19 patients and two trainee nurses.#odisha #kolkata #mohan_charan_majhi #scb_medical_college #amri_hospital
