A fire at an Odisha hospital ICU killed 10 patients, injured 11 staff, and prompted a judicial probe.

A fire broke out in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early on March 16, 2026, killing at least 10 patients and injuring 11 hospital staff. The blaze, likely caused by a short-circuit, spread rapidly in the ICU, with seven deaths inside the unit and three during evacuation. Twenty-three hospital personnel were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation and other injuries. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the fatalities, announced Rs 25 lakh in ex-gratia payments to families, and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, pledging strict action against those responsible.