Eight Dead After Massive Fire Engulfs ICU At Jaipur’s SMS Hospital: Investigation Underway

Eight Dead After Massive Fire Erupts In ICU Of Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Hospital; PM Modi, CM Bhajanlal Sharma Express Condolences, Probe Ordered Into Tragic Incident

Eight Dead After Massive Fire Erupts In ICU Of Jaipur’s SMS Hospital

In a tragic incident that shocked Rajasthan, eight patients lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in the trauma ICU of Jaipur’s prestigious Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital late on Sunday, 5 October. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, quickly engulfed the intensive care unit, leaving a trail of destruction and grief. Hospital authorities have confirmed that several patients remain in critical condition, while a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the tragedy.

CM Bhajanlal Sharma Orders Probe, Visits Hospital

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital early Monday morning to take stock of the situation and extend condolences to the families of the victims. He has constituted a six-member high-level committee to investigate the cause of the fire and identify any lapses in the hospital’s safety mechanisms. “Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for negligence,” the Chief Minister assured.

The CM also directed officials to ensure that all government hospitals across the state immediately review and strengthen their fire safety systems to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.

PM Modi Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Jaipur Fire

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express grief over the incident. “The loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” read a post from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Messages of condolences have also poured in from political leaders and citizens across India, calling for accountability and improved hospital safety standards.

How The Tragic Fire Unfolded

According to Dr. Anurag Dhakad, the in-charge of the trauma centre at SMS Hospital, the fire originated from a suspected short circuit in the ICU located on the second floor of the trauma building. Within minutes, dense smoke filled the ward, severely affecting visibility and air quality.

At the time of the incident, 24 patients were admitted — 11 in the trauma ICU and 13 in the semi-ICU nearby. “Most of the patients were unconscious or in critical condition and unable to move. Our nursing staff and ward attendants acted swiftly, shifting as many patients as possible using trolleys,” Dr. Dhakad explained.

Despite valiant rescue efforts, six patients succumbed immediately, while two others died later due to complications from severe smoke inhalation and burns. Among the deceased were two women and four men, leaving their families in profound grief.

Rescue Efforts And Investigation

Firefighters, along with hospital staff, worked tirelessly to contain the flames and evacuate patients from adjoining areas. According to officials, all 24 patients were eventually rescued, though several had already been exposed to toxic fumes before they could be moved to safety.

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph stated that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been tasked with determining the exact cause of the fire. “Preliminary evidence points to a short circuit, but we will wait for the FSL report for confirmation,” he said. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem, and the police have registered a case to facilitate a detailed investigation.

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Families Blame Lack Of Fire Safety Measures

Heart-wrenching accounts from families of the victims reveal shocking allegations of negligence and inadequate fire safety infrastructure in the ICU. One grieving relative who lost his mother stated, “There were no fire extinguishers or safety systems in place. When the fire started, we watched helplessly as smoke filled the ward. My mother couldn’t be saved.”

This statement has sparked outrage among citizens, raising concerns about fire preparedness in government hospitals. The tragedy has also reignited the debate around hospital infrastructure safety, particularly in critical care units where patients are immobile.

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Government Promises Safety Overhaul

Following the devastating loss, the Rajasthan government has pledged a statewide safety audit of all hospitals, particularly ICUs, to ensure fire safety protocols are being followed. Officials have promised to install automatic fire detection and suppression systems, conduct regular electrical inspections, and train hospital staff for emergency response situations.

As Jaipur mourns the eight dead from this horrific tragedy, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for accountability and preparedness in public healthcare institutions. While the investigation continues, the families of the victims await justice and answers, hoping that no other family endures such an unimaginable loss again.

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