At least ten patients died on Monday after a fire broke out in the trauma care unit of a government hospital in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, officials said, in one of the deadliest hospital blazes in the region this year.
The fire erupted in the trauma intensive care unit of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in the early hours of the morning, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told reporters. At least 23 patients were on the affected floor at the time of the blaze, and authorities were evacuating them when the deaths occurred.
Police and hospital officials said the fire was likely triggered by a short circuit in the trauma care ward, though a full investigation is expected. Several injured patients, some critically wounded, were taken to other parts of the hospital for treatment. Emergency response teams worked to control the blaze and assist with evacuation.
Authorities have not yet released a complete count of injuries, but reports indicated multiple staff members and responders were hurt while trying to evacuate patients. The incident has raised renewed concerns about fire safety standards in Indian healthcare facilities, where past fires have similarly claimed lives.