Jaipur Hospital Fire: Six Patients Dead After Massive Blaze in SMS Hospital ICU, Panic Grips City- Video

A major fire broke out late Sunday night at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, the largest government medical facility in Rajasthan, leaving six patients dead and several others injured. The incident occurred inside the Trauma Center’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), triggering chaos, panic, and grief among patients’ families and hospital staff.

Massive Fire Erupts Inside SMS Hospital ICU

According to officials, the fire started around midnight due to a suspected short circuit in the ICU ward of the Trauma Center. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the area, making it difficult for patients and hospital staff to breathe or evacuate. Most patients in the ICU were unconscious or on life support, making rescue operations extremely challenging.

Dr. Anurag Dhakad, in charge of the Trauma Center, confirmed that 11 patients were admitted to the ICU when the fire broke out. “Our team immediately rushed to save as many patients as possible,” he said. “However, six of them were severely affected by the flames and smoke and could not be revived despite continuous CPR efforts.”

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Two Women Among the Deceased

Officials have confirmed that among the deceased are two women and four men. The hospital administration has initiated an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire. A special investigation committee has been formed to review the incident and identify any lapses in the hospital’s electrical or fire safety systems.

Two-Hour Operation to Control the Fire

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and heartbreak as family members ran through the hospital corridors crying for help. Fire brigade teams arrived at the hospital within minutes of receiving the alert. Multiple fire engines were deployed, and it took nearly two hours to bring the situation under control.

To rescue trapped patients, firefighters had to break windows and glass panels of the ICU ward. Some patients were successfully moved to other wards and nearby hospitals. However, several families alleged that delayed response and lack of safety equipment worsened the tragedy.

Chief Minister Reaches Hospital, Orders Inquiry

Rajasthan Minister Jawahar Singh Bedam confirmed that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the hospital shortly after the incident. “It is a deeply painful tragedy. The Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care and that such incidents do not occur again,” Bedam said.

He further added that the state government will assess fire safety protocols in all public hospitals and take immediate corrective measures where needed.

Questions Over Hospital Safety Standards

The tragic fire has once again raised serious concerns over fire preparedness in government hospitals. Families of the victims have accused the hospital administration of negligence, claiming that if proper fire alarms and extinguishing systems were in place, the deaths could have been avoided.

This incident highlights the urgent need for modern fire safety infrastructure in healthcare institutions, especially in critical units like ICUs and trauma wards where patients are unable to move on their own.

Public Anger and Grief

Crowds gathered outside SMS Hospital through the night, with many demanding accountability. Grieving relatives questioned how such a catastrophic fire could occur in one of Rajasthan’s most prestigious hospitals.

Local police have recorded statements from hospital staff and eyewitnesses. The postmortem of the victims will be conducted after necessary formalities, and authorities have promised compensation to the affected families.

Conclusion

The Jaipur hospital fire stands as a grim reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety norms in public institutions. While rescue teams acted swiftly to contain the flames, the loss of six innocent lives has left the city in mourning. As the government promises action and investigation, questions remain over whether lessons from this tragedy will lead to real and lasting change in hospital safety standards.