A massive fire broke out on Sunday night at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, leaving seven patients dead. The incident took place inside the trauma centre’s ICU, where most victims were critically ill and unable to move.
The fire is suspected to have started due to a short circuit on the second floor. Within minutes, thick smoke filled the area, causing panic among patients and their families. Relatives claim hospital staff fled as soon as the blaze began, leaving attendants to rescue patients on their own.
At the time of the accident, over 200 patients were admitted to the trauma centre. Around 11 patients were in the trauma ICU and 13 in the semi-ICU. Doctors said six of the victims were extremely critical. Despite CPR attempts, their lives could not be saved. Five others are still in serious condition.
Firefighters took nearly two hours to control the blaze. Survivors were later shifted to other wards. Families have alleged poor safety standards at the hospital, pointing out the absence of fire extinguishers and water facilities.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered a high-level probe. A committee led by Medical Education Commissioner Iqbal Khan will review the cause of the fire, hospital management’s response, and fire safety measures. Jaipur Police have also called in forensic experts to determine the exact reason.
Former CM Ashok Gehlot expressed condolences to the victims’ families. He urged the government to take strict steps to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
This fire has raised serious questions about hospital preparedness and patient safety in Rajasthan’s largest state-run facility.
