A devastating fire at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur on Sunday night claimed the lives of at least six ICU patients, with some reports indicating as many as nine fatalities. The tragedy has sparked outrage and accusations of severe negligence against the hospital staff, with families alleging that early warnings were ignored and that staff fled the scene as the fire rapidly spread.
The fire reportedly broke out around 11:20 p.m. in the neurosurgery ICU ward's storeroom, where papers, medical equipment, and blood sample tubes were stored. A short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the blaze. The fire quickly escalated, filling the ICU with thick smoke and toxic gases, complicating evacuation efforts, especially for comatose patients.
Family members of the victims have recounted harrowing experiences, alleging that their warnings about a spark or smoke were dismissed by the hospital staff. Jogendra Singh, whose mother was admitted to the ICU, stated that he alerted doctors multiple times about sparks, but they brushed it aside. He further claimed that once the smoke intensified, the staff fled, leaving patients unattended. Om Prakash, whose relative died in the fire, told news agencies that the doctors and compounders had already left by the time the smoke became unbearable. He also claimed that only four to five patients were evacuated.
Another relative, Puran Singh, alleged that there was a cylinder near the location where the spark originated. He stated that the smoke quickly filled the ICU, causing widespread panic, and as the smoke worsened, the gates were shut.
Witnesses have also reported a lack of essential safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers. One person, whose mother perished in the fire, told ANI that there was no equipment to extinguish the fire, no cylinders, and not even water available. Family members were seen carrying patients, some still on their beds, out of the hospital.
The Rajasthan government has formed a six-member committee to investigate the incident. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital and assured that the injured would receive proper treatment and care. He also stated that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. The government has also announced ₹10 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased. Following the fire, the superintendent of the hospital and the nodal officer of the Trauma Centre were removed from their posts.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders. Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has called the incident a result of "clear negligence" and demanded accountability at every level. He emphasized the serious shortcomings in safety standards and emergency preparedness.
The fire at SMS Hospital has exposed critical gaps in patient safety and emergency response protocols in the state's largest government hospital. The allegations of ignored warnings and fleeing staff have fueled public anger and raised serious questions about the accountability of the hospital administration. As investigations continue, there is mounting pressure for swift and decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
