• Fire in ICU claims multiple lives in an Indian hospital
• Dozens of patients and staff injured

At least ten patients died and several others suffered critical injuries after a fire broke out Monday morning in the pediatric intensive care unit of a government hospital in eastern India, local authorities reported.

The blaze started on the first floor of SCB Medical College and Hospital in the city of Cuttack, Odisha, while patients were receiving treatment in the ICU. Officials suspect a short-circuited electrical connection triggered the fire.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said 23 patients were present on the floor between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m. at the time of the incident.

He added that seven critically ill patients died while being moved to safer areas, and three others passed away after being transferred to other intensive care units.

Eleven hospital staff, including security personnel, suffered burns or smoke inhalation while attempting to rescue patients. Authorities confirmed all are now in stable condition after facing hazards during evacuation.

Majhi ordered a judicial investigation into the incident, stating that the government would take strict action if negligence is found.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the victims’ families, describing the fire as “deeply tragic,” and pledged financial compensation for the deceased and injured.

President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed her deep sorrow and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Hospital fires are not new in India. In 2024, a fire in a private hospital in Tamil Nadu claimed six lives, and another blaze in a medical facility in Uttar Pradesh killed ten newborns.