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A fire at a government hospital in eastern India resulted in the deaths of at least 10 critically ill patients receiving trauma care, according to officials on Monday.
Fires in buildings are frequent across India, often due to inadequate firefighting equipment and a widespread neglect of safety protocols.
The incident occurred early Monday morning on the first floor of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, as reported by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He explained that a short circuit ignited the fire in the trauma ICU ward, which was housing 23 patients at the time. Tragically, 10 individuals lost their lives in the blaze, while the remaining patients were transferred to different wards. Additionally, at least 11 staff members sustained burns while attempting to rescue patients.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy via social media, describing it as “deeply painful” and extending his condolences to the families of the victims. He also announced a financial aid package of $2,160 for the affected families.
India’s fire incidents are frequently linked to electrical short circuits, which often result from poorly maintained wiring. In 2024, similar tragedies included a fire at a private hospital in Tamil Nadu, where at least six people died and over 24 were injured, along with a fire in Uttar Pradesh that claimed the lives of 10 newborns.
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