Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a tragic incident late Sunday night, nine patients, including three women, lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in the ICU of the trauma center at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital. The fire, which erupted around 11:20 pm in the neuro ICU ward’s store room, is believed to have been caused by a short circuit. The store room contained papers, medical equipment, and blood sample tubes, which fueled the flames.

At the time of the fire, 11 patients were admitted in the affected ICU, while 13 others were in an adjoining ward. A fire officer reported that by the time crews arrived, the entire ICU was filled with dense smoke, making it impossible to access the patients through normal entry points. “We had to break windowpanes from the opposite side of the building and spray water jets inside,” the officer said. The fire was brought under control after nearly one and a half hours, and all patients were evacuated along with their beds and shifted to the roadside.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief over the incident on social media. “The fire in the ICU of the trauma center at SMS Hospital, resulting in the death of seven people, is extremely heartbreaking. I pray to God that there is minimal loss of life in this accident. May the Lord grant place to the departed souls at His divine feet and swiftly restore the health of the injured,” he tweeted.

Hospital authorities, along with state officials, have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. The state government has been urged to conduct a high-level inquiry to ensure such accidents do not recur in any medical facility. The incident has raised serious concerns over hospital safety protocols, fire prevention measures, and emergency preparedness in medical institutions.

This devastating fire in Jaipur’s prominent trauma center highlights the critical need for updated fire safety measures in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units where patients are vulnerable and require constant medical support. Authorities have confirmed that the injured are receiving immediate medical attention, and further updates on the investigation and casualties are expected.

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