JAIPUR: A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the trauma center of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, resulting in the tragic deaths of six critically ill patients. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, has triggered immediate outrage and a high-level government investigation into safety protocols and alleged negligence.
The incident occurred around 11:20 PM on the second floor of the trauma center in the Neuro ICU storage area. Hospital officials confirmed that six of the most critical patients—comprising two women and four men—could not be saved despite the efforts of hospital staff and fire brigades. Five other patients evacuated from the Intensive Care Unit remain in critical condition.
According to Trauma Centre In-charge, Dr. Anurag Dhakad, the fire quickly engulfed the storage area before spreading and releasing thick, toxic smoke throughout the ward. A total of 24 patients from the Trauma ICU and the adjacent Semi-ICU were urgently evacuated by staff, ward boys, and panic-stricken relatives using trolleys and beds.
Allegations of Negligence Surface
The tragedy has been overshadowed by serious allegations from the victims’ families, who staged protests outside the hospital premises on Monday morning. Relatives claimed that warnings about smoke noticed in the ward prior to the main fire were ignored by hospital staff, and further alleged that some personnel fled the scene when the blaze intensified, leaving family members to conduct rescues themselves. There were also claims regarding a lack of functional firefighting equipment in the critical care area.
Government Orders Investigation
In response to the tragedy and public outcry, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital early Monday morning to take stock of the situation. The state government immediately announced the formation of a high-level committee to conduct a thorough probe.
The committee, chaired by the Commissioner of the Medical Education Department, Iqbal Khan, is tasked with investigating the exact cause of the short circuit, reviewing the hospital’s fire safety arrangements and management response, and recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
