A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the Trauma Center of Jaipur’s state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least six critically ill patients and leaving five others in a serious condition. The incident has shaken Rajasthan, raising questions about hospital safety and emergency preparedness.
How Did the Fire Start?
According to initial investigations and statements by hospital authorities, the blaze began around 11:10 pm in the Neuro ICU. A suspected short circuit in the storage area is believed to have triggered the fire. Toxic gases quickly filled the ICU, endangering patients—most of whom were comatose and unable to react or escape on their own.
Rescue Efforts and Chaos
During the crisis, hospital staff, ward boys, police personnel, and patient attendants moved quickly to evacuate as many people as possible, transporting patients with their beds to safer locations. Despite prompt action, six critically ill patients—four men and two women—could not be saved.
Firefighters arrived and managed to bring the blaze under control in about two hours, but the damage was extensive. The entire ICU section was almost reduced to ashes. Reports highlighted the heroic actions of some staff and police officers, who risked their own lives in smoke-filled conditions to rescue more than ten patients.
Allegations of Negligence and Staff Response
Relatives of the victims have accused hospital staff of negligence and a delayed response. Some survivors allege they alerted staff to the presence of smoke, but were ignored until it was too late. There were also claims that after the fire broke out, many staff members abandoned their posts, leaving families scrambling for information and rescue.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital soon after the incident to assess the situation and speak with families, while authorities launched detailed inquiries into the safety protocols at government hospitals.
Victims and Impact
The deceased were identified as Pintu (Sikar), Dilip (Andhi, Jaipur), Shrinath, Rukmini, Khurma (Bharatpur), and Bahadur (Sanganer, Jaipur). In total, the ICU and adjacent semi-ICU had 24 patients at the time of the fire. All surviving patients were rushed to lower floors or other wards for continued care.
