Tragic Fire in Jaipur’s SMS Hospital ICU Kills 6, Sparks Outrage and Investigation

A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the trauma center at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, one of Jaipur's largest government medical facilities. The blaze claimed the lives of six patients — four men and two women — and has triggered widespread concern over hospital safety protocols.

Cause of Fire: Preliminary Findings

Initial investigations suggest that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Most patients inside the ICU were unconscious at the time, leaving them unable to escape on their own. Within moments, the ward filled with thick smoke, causing chaos among staff and relatives present in the hospital.

Rescue Operations Underway

Dr. Anurag Dhakad, in charge of the trauma center, confirmed that there were 11 patients admitted to the ICU when the fire broke out. Nurses, doctors, and ward staff acted swiftly, using stretchers and trolleys to evacuate patients. CPR and emergency first aid were administered, but despite all efforts, six lives were lost.

Fire Department’s Response

Multiple fire engines arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the alert. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before it was fully controlled. In the process, windows and glass panels were broken to facilitate rescue efforts. Several patients were immediately transferred to nearby wards for further care.

Public Outcry and Government Reaction

As news of the incident spread, distressed families gathered outside the hospital, some reporting missing loved ones and demanding answers. Emotions ran high, with many expressing anger over what they described as gross negligence by the hospital administration.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to the hospital to assess the situation. Rajasthan's Health Minister, Jawahar Singh Bedam, labeled the incident “deeply unfortunate” and assured that strict safety measures would be implemented moving forward. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the lapse and recommend reforms.

Rising Concerns Over Hospital Safety

This incident has exposed glaring weaknesses in emergency preparedness and fire safety protocols in public hospitals. Families of the deceased have alleged that malfunctioning fire extinguishers and lack of timely action contributed to the tragedy. Public criticism is mounting, and there is growing demand for accountability and structural changes in the healthcare system.