Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a heart-wrenching incident, SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur claimed eight lives late Sunday night after a massive blaze broke out in the trauma centre’s ICU. The horrifying fire engulfed the neuro ICU ward of Sawai Man Singh Hospital, spreading thick smoke that left rescuers struggling to reach the trapped patients.
Fire Breaks Out in Trauma Centre ICU
The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur started around 11:20 pm in the neuro ICU ward’s store room, where medical equipment, old papers, and blood sample tubes were stored. Initial assessments point towards a short circuit as the likely cause. At the time of the fire, 11 patients were admitted in the ICU, and 13 others were receiving treatment in an adjacent ward.
As the flames spread rapidly, chaos unfolded inside the hospital corridors. The ward was completely filled with smoke by the time firefighters arrived, severely limiting visibility and access. The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur incident showcased how even a few minutes of delay in response can escalate a disaster into a tragedy.
Rescue Efforts Amid Dense Smoke
According to fire officials, by the time emergency crews reached the scene, the entire ICU was engulfed in thick smoke. Teams had to break windowpanes from the opposite building side and spray water jets inside to contain the flames. The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur rescue operation lasted nearly an hour and a half before the fire was completely extinguished.
Patients, including those on ventilators, were evacuated on their beds and shifted to the roadside for safety. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, confusion, and desperation as relatives and hospital staff tried to save as many patients as possible.
Eight Lives Lost in the Tragic Fire
Sadly, eight patients, including three women, were killed in the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur. The deceased were identified as Pintu (Sikar), Dileep (Aandhi, Jaipur), Shrinath (Bharatpur), Rukmani (Bharatpur), Kushma (Bharatpur), Sarvesh (Agra, UP), Bahadur (Sanganer, Jaipur), and Digambar Verma.
Doctors confirmed that all eight victims were in critical condition prior to the incident. Despite efforts to move them out quickly, most succumbed to smoke inhalation and burn injuries. The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur left families shattered, demanding accountability for what they termed a preventable tragedy.
Hospital Administration and Government Response
Hospital authorities immediately ordered an internal inquiry to determine the exact cause of the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur. They assured that a detailed investigation would be conducted, focusing on potential electrical faults and maintenance lapses within the ICU.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, calling the fire “extremely heartbreaking.” He urged for a high-level probe into the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur, emphasizing that such accidents must never recur.
Possible Cause: Short Circuit in ICU Store Room
Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit in the store room of the neuro ICU could have triggered the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur. The store contained flammable materials such as papers and sample tubes, which might have accelerated the spread of the flames.
Also Read: A Shocking Case: Disturbing Child Marriage in Pakistan Where an 11-Year-Old Gave Birth at 12
Experts noted that the absence of an automatic fire suppression system in the ICU worsened the situation. Fire safety audits are expected to be carried out across all departments following the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur.
Patients Evacuated and Treatment Continued
Even as chaos unfolded, hospital staff displayed remarkable courage in evacuating patients. Those rescued from the affected ICU were transferred to other wards or nearby hospitals. Doctors worked tirelessly through the night, treating those suffering from smoke inhalation and shock due to the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur.
Many patients were seen being treated on stretchers in open areas outside the hospital, as emergency responders continued to cool down the ICU site.
Safety Concerns Raised After Fire
The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur has reignited concerns over fire safety protocols in medical institutions. Experts have called for mandatory safety checks, installation of modern firefighting equipment, and regular maintenance of electrical systems in hospitals.
Public outrage has grown over the lack of preparedness in handling emergencies. Citizens and patient families questioned how such a fire could occur in a premier medical institution. The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to enforce stricter safety norms in public healthcare facilities.
Demand for Accountability
Relatives of the deceased demanded justice and accountability for the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur victims. Many alleged that the hospital’s delayed response and lack of trained emergency staff contributed to the loss of lives.
Authorities have sealed the affected ICU ward for forensic inspection. The investigation team will review CCTV footage and electrical wiring records to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur.
A Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Safety
The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur stands as a tragic wake-up call for healthcare safety in India. It highlights the pressing need for robust fire safety systems, regular audits, and quick response mechanisms in critical care facilities.
As Jaipur mourns the eight lives lost, questions linger about whether this devastating event could have been avoided. The SMS Hospital Fire Jaipur will likely reshape fire safety policies across Rajasthan’s hospitals, ensuring that such a catastrophe never repeats itself.
