Jaipur: Eight patients, including three women, lost their lives after a fire broke out in the Neuro ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late on Sunday night.
The blaze is suspected to have started around 11.20 p.m. in a storeroom where paper, ICU equipment and blood sample tubes were kept. According to the Trauma Centre’s nodal officer, a short circuit is believed to be the cause.
At the time, 11 patients were in the Neuro ICU and 13 in an adjoining unit. The entire ward quickly filled with smoke, making it difficult for rescuers to enter. Fire department staff said they had to break window panes and spray water from outside before the flames were brought under control, a process that took over an hour. Patients were evacuated with their beds and shifted to the street outside.
Some relatives alleged that early warnings were ignored. Sheru, a resident of Bharatpur, said, “Smoke started billowing nearly 20 minutes before the fire broke out. I alerted the staff, but no one responded. By 11.20 p.m., the smoke intensified, plastic tubes began melting, and the ward boys fled.”
He added that families had to pull out patients themselves. Our patient was only shifted two hours later. We still don’t know his condition, he said.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the incident as “tragic” and reached the hospital around 2.30 a.m. to review the situation. He directed doctors and officials to ensure the best possible care for the injured and announced the formation of a high-level probe panel headed by Iqbal Khan, Commissioner of the Medical Department. The six-member committee includes senior officials from the health department, public works and fire services.
Sharma postponed his official engagements in Delhi to remain in Jaipur and oversee relief efforts. The government has assured full support to affected families and reiterated its commitment to accountability and safety in hospitals.
Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully expressed shock, calling the incident “extremely sad and heartbreaking” in a social media post.