Tragedy Strikes Jaipur: Seven Dead in SMS Hospital ICU Fire

In a devastating incident late Sunday night, a fire broke out in the neuro ICU at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital’s trauma centre in Jaipur, claiming the lives of seven patients. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in the ICU’s storeroom, rapidly filled the ward with smoke, hindering rescue efforts. Despite the swift response of hospital staff and fire services, six critically ill patients succumbed to the smoke inhalation. The deceased included four men and three women.

Cause and Response

The fire reportedly started around 11:20 PM in a storeroom containing medical supplies and equipment. By the time fire crews arrived, the entire ward was engulfed in smoke, blocking all access. Firefighters had to break windowpanes from the opposite side of the building and spray water jets inside, taking nearly one and a half hours to douse the flames. Patients were evacuated along with their beds and shifted to the roadside.

Family Allegations and Official Response

Family members of the deceased have alleged negligence on part of the hospital authorities, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “extremely heartbreaking” and called for a high-level inquiry to prevent such accidents in the future.

Conclusion

This tragic event underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in healthcare facilities, especially in high-risk areas like intensive care units. As investigations continue, it is imperative that authorities address the concerns raised by the families and ensure accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.