A catastrophic fire broke out late Sunday night in the Intensive Care Unit of the trauma centre at the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, claiming the lives of at least six severely ill patients. The blaze is believed to have been sparked by a short circuit.

Eyewitnesses and family members say the fire spread rapidly through the second floor, engulfing ICU equipment, medical records, blood sample tubes, and other stored items. Soon, dense smoke filled the corridors, creating panic among patients and attendants.

At the time, there were about 210 patients in the hospital, with approximately 40 in each of the four ICUs. According to reports, just one staff member was stationed in each ICU at night and several family members allege staff fled immediately after detecting smoke.

Dr. Anurag Dhakad, in charge of the trauma centre, explained: “A short circuit occurred in the trauma ICU, and the fire spread rapidly, releasing toxic gases. Most of the patients in the trauma ICU were comatose and critically ill.” He added that although doctors attempted lengthy CPR efforts, “Six of the patients were extremely critical … we couldn’t save them. Of the deceased, two were women and four were men. Five other patients remain in critical condition.”

Firefighters Rushed to the Hospital

As the fire escalated, hospital personnel and patient attendants rushed to evacuate those inside some transporting beds out of the building. Firefighters arrived and brought the fire under control in about two hours. Survivours were shifted to safer wards.

Following the tragedy, many relatives of the victims gathered at the trauma centre and accused hospital staff of negligence. One said,

“We noticed smoke and immediately alerted the staff, but they didn’t pay attention. When the fire broke out, they were the first to run. Now, no one is telling us anything about our patients’ condition.”

Another commented, “The ICU caught fire, but there was no equipment to extinguish it, no fire extinguishers, no cylinders, not even water to douse the flames. There were no facilities at all. My mother didn’t survive.”

Yet another relative recounted the early moments, “At around 11.20 pm … the doctors were informed … the smoke kept getting thicker … the doctors and other staff working downstairs all ran out … we managed to pull out four or five of them. … My aunt’s son … was supposed to be discharged in a day or two.”

“Forensic Team to Investigate the Incident”: Jaipur Police Commissioner

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed forensic teams will investigate thoroughly. He stated that “at first glance, it appears to have been triggered by a short circuit.” Survivours are receiving treatment in alternative hospital wards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, tweeting that the loss was “deeply saddening,” and extended condolences to bereaved families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed that every necessary step would be taken to secure patient care in the aftermath.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered a high-level inquiry led by a committee under Medical Education Commissioner Iqbal Khan. The panel will examine the fire’s origins, hospital response, evacuation protocols, and preventive measures. The Chief Minister even scrapped a scheduled Delhi trip to stay in Jaipur on duty.

The fire at SMS Hospital has reignited serious concerns over hospital fire safety and staff preparedness in India. The spotlight now turns to the investigation’s outcome and whether systemic changes will follow.