SMS Hospital Fire Tragedy: 8 Dead After ICU Blaze in Jaipur, Short Circuit Suspected
SMS Hospital Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the trauma center of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, Jaipur, leading to the death of eight critically ill patients. The fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit, erupted in the ICU ward on the second floor of the trauma center, creating panic among patients, staff, and families.
How the Incident Unfolded
The fire started in the Trauma ICU, which housed 11 patients, most of whom were either in a coma or in extremely critical condition. Toxic smoke from burning medical equipment quickly filled the area, making breathing difficult for patients.
Medical staff rushed to shift patients to other ICU units on lower floors, but eight patients could not be saved. Five others are currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care.
The ICU section on the second floor consists of two wards — a Semi-ICU with 13 patients and the Trauma ICU with 11. Fortunately, patients in the Semi-ICU were safely evacuated.
Bravery Amidst Chaos
In a remarkable display of courage, police constables Vedveer Singh, Hari Mohan, and Lalit entered the smoke-filled building and rescued more than 10 patients and their attendants. All three officers are currently undergoing treatment at SMS Emergency due to respiratory issues caused by smoke inhalation.
Emergency Response and Government Action
Fire and police teams arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze. All patients from the affected floor have been shifted to safer wards.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital soon after the incident, accompanied by Health Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham. The Chief Minister announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured free treatment for the injured.
Health Minister Kirori Lal Meena also visited the hospital and met with the injured patients and their families.
Victims Identified
Among the deceased is Digambar, a resident of Sawai Madhopur, who was admitted around 9 PM on Sunday night and succumbed during treatment after the fire broke out. Other victims reportedly include Pintu (Sikar), Dileep Aandhi, Shrinath and Rukmani (Bharatpur), Khushma, and Bahadur (Sanganer). Their families are devastated.
Investigation Underway
Preliminary reports suggest the cause of the fire was a short circuit. However, a detailed investigation has been launched. Forensic teams and local police are examining the scene, and hospital authorities have initiated an internal audit of fire safety systems.
The state government has promised strict action against any negligence, with the Chief Minister stating, “Such incidents are unacceptable. The guilty will not be spared.”
