At least 10 patients died and several others were injured after a fire broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday, officials said.

The blaze was reported around 3 am in the trauma care ICU, triggering panic inside the hospital as medical staff and firefighters rushed to evacuate patients.

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Officials said seven patients died inside the ICU, while three others died while being shifted to other wards during the rescue operation. Several patients were moved to safer wards as emergency teams worked to control the fire.

Suspected short circuit behind the blaze

According to Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, the fire was suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in the trauma care ICU.

Majhi visited the hospital following the incident and confirmed the casualties. He also said that five injured patients were in critical condition. Authorities said hospital staff and firefighters managed to contain the blaze and rescue several patients who were admitted in nearby wards.

During the rescue operation, 11 hospital employees were also hospitalised after experiencing health complications, including smoke inhalation.

Probe ordered, compensation announced

The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and examine possible lapses in safety measures.

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Chief Minister Majhi announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

In a post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office of India, the Prime Minister said the mishap was deeply painful and announced financial assistance from the PM National Relief Fund.

“Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the PMO said, adding that ₹2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. Authorities have begun investigating the circumstances that led to the fire.