Odisha Hospital Fire: Toll Rises to 12 as Two More Patients Die

The death toll from the devastating blaze at SCB Medical College and Hospital has risen to 12, with two more patients succumbing to their injuries—an 11-year-old girl and a 45-year-old man. However, beyond the numbers lies a far more troubling story of alleged negligence and systemic failure.

The fire, which broke out in the Trauma ICU in the early hours of Monday, tore through a ward of critically ill patients, many of whom were asleep and unable to escape. What should have been a controlled medical environment turned into a death trap within minutes.

Relatives of the victims have alleged serious lapses in safety measures and delays in the emergency response, citing a delayed fire response at the hospital.

Officials stated that the ICU’s automatic sprinkler system did not activate because its control valve had been left closed, while the fire alarm system was switched off. A preliminary inquiry found that the fire may have originated from two ventilators.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry, to be led by retired district judge Laxmidhar Biswal, with a report expected within 60 days. The state government has also set up a six-member committee, headed by Development Commissioner DK Singh, to investigate the incident and submit its findings.