8 patients, including 3 women, lost their lives after a devastating fire ripped through the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma centre at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital late Sunday night.
The blaze, which broke out around 11:20 pm, quickly spread through the ICU ward, sending thick smoke billowing through the hospital.
Officials suspect the fire originated from a short circuit in the ward’s storeroom, where medical equipment, papers, and blood sample tubes were stored.
According to hospital authorities, 18 patients were admitted across the ICU and semi-ICU sections at the time. 11 of them were in the same ward where the fire erupted. While 8 patients perished, 3 others remain in critical condition.
Firefighters rushed to the spot, but dense smoke made rescue operations difficult. Hospital staff and relatives joined efforts to save patients by breaking windows and doors.
Many victims were carried outside and treated on stretchers and hospital beds placed along the street, where oxygen support and first aid were provided.
Dr. Anurag Dhakad, nodal officer of the Trauma Centre, said it took nearly an hour and a half to bring the fire under control. There were 11 patients in the ICU. Some of them were immediately evacuated. The adjacent ICU had 13 patients. 6 patients were trapped inside as the fire spread.
The incident has sparked outrage among families of the deceased, who alleged gross negligence on the part of hospital authorities.
Protesters gathered outside the trauma centre demanding accountability, claiming that fire alarms failed to activate immediately and that there was a delay in cutting off the oxygen supply- allowing the blaze to intensify.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma rushed to the hospital shortly after the incident to assess the situation. He directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and announced a high-level probe.
He stated, “This is a very sad and worrying incident. Strict action will be taken against the culprits.” He has sought a detailed report from the Medical Education Secretary, Police Commissioner, District Collector, and the Principal of SMS Medical College.
A special inquiry committee has been formed to determine the cause of the fire and assess whether the hospital’s fire safety systems were functional and adequate.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also called for a thorough investigation, writing on X, “The government must ensure that such horrifying incidents are not repeated.”
The deadly blaze at Jaipur’s largest government hospital has once again highlighted glaring weaknesses in hospital safety protocols. As investigations continue, the tragedy has reignited debate over fire preparedness and infrastructure standards in public healthcare facilities across the state.
