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
10 Patients Killed In Major Fire At SCB Medical College Hospital In Odisha's Cuttack Ten patients died, and at least 11 hospital staff members suffered burn injuries after a fire erupted at the trauma care ICU of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 2:30 am to 3 am, when critically ill patients were being treated. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the staff were injured while attempting to rescue the patients. Multiple fire engines arrived at the scene and were actively engaged in rescue operations. The hospital, a key medical facility in the region, faced significant challenges as the fire spread through the ICU, which housed patients requiring intensive care. Emergency services worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and evacuate those affected, though the casualty count remained high. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety protocols in healthcare facilities, particularly in areas with limited resources. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which could have catastrophic consequences for patient care and staff safety. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter regulations and improved emergency preparedness in medical institutions across the state.#odisha #cuttack #mohan_charan_majhi #scb_medical_college_hospital #icu
Odisha: Ten killed in trauma centre ICU fire in Cuttack A fire at the trauma care intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, resulted in the deaths of ten patients, while eleven hospital staff sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue them. The incident occurred around 02:30 local time on Monday (21:00 GMT Sunday), with officials attributing the blaze to an electrical short circuit. State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that all fatalities were patients, and the injured staff members are receiving treatment for burns. The fire broke out in the trauma care ICU of the government-run hospital, which is one of the largest medical facilities in Odisha. Fire service personnel arrived swiftly to contain the blaze, and patients were relocated to other departments within the same hospital. Majhi stated that medical staff and security personnel "risked their lives" during the rescue operation, with some sustaining injuries. He emphasized that the government has directed authorities to ensure proper medical care for those affected. Majhi also announced financial compensation for the families of the victims and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible for the fire. The state government’s response highlights ongoing concerns about hospital safety in India, where electrical faults are a frequent cause of such tragedies. Hospital fires in India have historically led to severe casualties, with many incidents linked to electrical malfunctions. For example, in October 2023, an ICU fire in Rajasthan killed six critically ill patients.#odisha #scb_medical_college_and_hospital #cuttack #mohan_charan_majhi #icu_fire
