Jaipur SMS Hospital Fire Tragedy: 6 Dead in ICU Blaze, CM Announces ₹5 Lakh Compensation
A devastating fire at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur claimed the lives of seven critically ill patients, including two women, late Sunday night. The fire broke out around 11:20 PM in the store room of the Neuro ICU ward on the second floor of the Trauma Center, reportedly due to a short circuit.
The flames quickly spread, igniting paper files, ICU equipment, and blood sampler tubes, leading to thick toxic smoke that filled the ICU and made evacuation difficult.
Entire ICU Ward Reduced to Ashes
At the time of the incident, 24 patients were admitted to the ICU and trauma center. As smoke engulfed the ward, panic spread, and the condition of 11 patients worsened. Tragically, seven died on the spot, and four remain in critical condition.
The fire destroyed the entire ICU ward, leaving it completely gutted.
Allegations of Negligence
Family members of the victims have accused hospital staff of gross negligence. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, ward boys and staff fled the ICU as soon as the smoke spread, leaving patients behind. In the absence of prompt evacuation efforts, relatives were forced to rescue patients themselves, but many succumbed to smoke inhalation before help arrived.
Government Response
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Health Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham rushed to the hospital after the incident. The CM announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.
“This incident is unacceptable. Strict action will be taken against those responsible. Such negligence will not be tolerated,” the CM said, instructing a high-level investigation into the tragedy.
Sawai Man Singh Hospital is the largest and most prominent medical facility in Rajasthan, drawing patients from across the state. The fire has raised serious concerns about fire safety protocols and emergency preparedness in major hospitals.
