JAIPUR: Six critically ill patients died after a fire tore through the intensive care unit (ICU) of Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital late Sunday night, in one of the worst hospital tragedies in Rajasthan’s capital in recent years.
Authorities said the blaze began just before midnight in a storage area of the trauma centre ICU, likely caused by an electrical short circuit. At the time, 11 patients were undergoing treatment in the unit. Two women and four men lost their lives, while others were evacuated by staff and firefighters.
Rescue Operation and Evacuation
Thick plumes of smoke engulfed the ward as the fire spread, forcing frantic rescue efforts. Firefighters broke open windows to bring patients out, while 14 others in an adjoining ICU were also moved to safety. It took nearly two hours for fire crews to bring the blaze under control, according to reports from PTI.
Anger and Allegations of Negligence
Relatives of victims accused hospital staff of negligence, claiming initial warnings about smoke were ignored. Some alleged the hospital lacked basic firefighting equipment, including extinguishers and water supplies. “When the fire broke out, the staff were the first to run,” one grieving relative told reporters.
Others alleged the facility was unprepared for emergencies. “There were no fire extinguishers or cylinders. My mother could have been saved,” another relative said.
Hospital authorities strongly denied the claims. Deputy superintendent Jagdish Modi said several staff members risked their lives to rescue patients. “I understand the grief, but allegations of negligence are not true. Many of our staff acted with bravery during the evacuation,” he said.
Government Response and Inquiry
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered a high-level investigation and assured strict accountability. “Every possible step is being taken to ensure patient safety, treatment and care for those affected,” he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the deaths “tragic” and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Pattern of Hospital Fires in India
The SMS hospital is one of the largest in Rajasthan, treating thousands daily. However, hospital fires are a recurring tragedy across India. In November 2024, a blaze at a state-run hospital in Jhansi killed 10 newborns.
A 2023 investigation by The Indian Express found that in 11 major hospital fires since 2019, 107 people were killed. Most were triggered by short circuits, while nine of the hospitals lacked basic firefighting systems. Experts have repeatedly pointed to weak oversight, poor compliance with fire safety norms, and slow justice as underlying causes.
The latest Jaipur incident has reignited calls for stronger safety enforcement and accountability in public health facilities across India.
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