A devastating fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, claiming eight lives and leaving several others injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has sparked widespread anger, with families of victims alleging negligence by hospital authorities and staff.
According to initial reports, the fire began due to a suspected short circuit in the ICU, where several critical patients were undergoing treatment. As the flames spread rapidly, chaos erupted inside the ward. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with family members and hospital staff rushing to rescue patients amid thick smoke. Firefighters were called in immediately and managed to douse the flames after a strenuous effort, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Among the deceased were patients who were unable to move due to their medical conditions, leaving them trapped inside as the fire engulfed the room. Five others sustained injuries and are currently being treated in a separate ward. Officials have stated that the hospital’s emergency response system was activated, but questions are being raised about whether adequate fire safety measures were in place.
Family members of the victims have accused the hospital administration of being slow to respond. Many claimed that staff members initially fled instead of helping evacuate patients. Disturbing visuals shared online showed frantic relatives attempting to carry patients to safety without proper medical support. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety preparedness in government hospitals across the state.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia compensation for the families of those who lost their lives. He has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the fire and the hospital’s safety compliance record. The Chief Minister assured that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found.
Meanwhile, fire department officials have begun inspecting other critical care units in Jaipur to ensure such a disaster does not repeat. Experts have once again highlighted the urgent need for hospitals to regularly conduct fire safety audits, maintain functional alarms and extinguishers, and train staff in emergency evacuation procedures.
The Jaipur hospital tragedy serves as a grim reminder of how lapses in safety can turn medical facilities into danger zones, underscoring the need for accountability and reform in India’s public healthcare system.
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