Odisha Hospital Fire Kills At Least 10

At least 10 people died and 11 staff members were injured in a fire that broke out in the trauma care unit of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, India on Monday, March 16, 2026.

What Happened?

The fire started early Monday on the first floor of the hospital, likely caused by a short circuit according to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Twenty-three patients were receiving care in the intensive care unit at the time and 10 of them died while being moved to safety. Five people were critically wounded, though it remains unclear if those injuries were a result of the fire or pre-existing conditions as reported by Al Jazeera.

Response and Investigation

Chief Minister Majhi stated that medical staff and security personnel risked their lives to rescue patients, sustaining injuries in the process. He has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and pledged strict action against those found responsible according to The Telegraph India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation of $2,160 to affected families as reported by Orissadiary.com. He also spoke with Chief Minister Majhi to review the situation.