A devastating fire at a government-run hospital in eastern India has killed at least 10 critically ill patients who were admitted in the trauma care unit, officials said on Monday. The blaze broke out early Monday on the first floor of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha state’s Cuttack city, according to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and a routine disregard for safety regulations, as noted by the National Fire Protection Association. The fire in question was caused by a short circuit in the trauma ICU ward where patients were being treated, Majhi said, adding that 23 patients were present on the floor at the time of the incident.
Hospital Fire Safety Concerns
Ten people died following the blaze, while the remaining patients were moved to other wards. At least 11 staff members suffered burn injuries as they tried to rescue the patients. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “deeply painful” in a post on social media and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
Electrical Short Circuits a Leading Cause
Electrical short circuits, often caused by poorly maintained wiring, remain the leading cause of fire incidents in India. In 2024, a fire at a private hospital in the southern state of Tamil Nadu killed at least six people and injured more than two dozen. The same year, 10 newborns were killed when a fire engulfed a hospital in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
Some of the key measures to prevent such incidents include:
- Regular maintenance of electrical equipment
- Installation of fire alarm systems
- Conducting fire drills and training staff
- Ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations
As India continues to grapple with the issue of hospital fires, it is essential to address the underlying safety concerns and take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The Indian government has announced compensation of $2,160 to affected families, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of patients and staff in hospitals across the country.
