**Tragic Fire at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital Trauma Centre Claims Eight Lives**
Jaipur: A devastating fire broke out at the trauma centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur on Sunday night, October 5, resulting in the deaths of at least eight patients. At the time of the incident, 11 patients were admitted in the Neuro ICU.
The blaze reportedly originated in the storage area of the trauma centre. Although the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, early reports suggest a short circuit may have ignited the flames.
Among the eight deceased, six have been identified as Pintu (from Sikar), Dilip (from Andhi, Jaipur), Shrinath, Rukmini, Khurma (all from Bharatpur), and Bahadur (from Sanganer, Jaipur).
Panic ensued as thick smoke rapidly spread throughout the floor, causing distress among patients and their families. The fire gutted several critical items stored in the area, including important documents, ICU equipment, and blood sample tubes.
Hospital staff and patient attendants acted swiftly to evacuate the patients, some of whom were transported on their beds to safety outside the building, according to reports from PTI.
Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to bring the fire under control in approximately two hours. Upon arrival, the entire ward was engulfed in smoke, forcing the fire team to break a window on the opposite side of the building to effectively combat the blaze.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham visited the trauma centre to assess the situation firsthand.
Addressing the incident on X, Chief Minister Sharma said, “The fire at the trauma center of Sawai Man Singh Hospital is extremely unfortunate. Upon reaching the hospital, I gathered information from doctors and officials and issued instructions to ensure swift relief efforts. Every possible step is being taken for the safety and treatment of patients, and care for those affected. The situation is being continuously monitored. May Lord Shri Ram grant a place at His divine feet to the departed souls. The state government stands with the affected families and is committed to providing every possible assistance.”
However, tensions ran high as families of the victims accused the Neuro ICU staff of abandoning their duties after the fire broke out. According to PTI, relatives alleged that hospital personnel fled the area and failed to provide any updates regarding patients’ conditions.
One attendee said, “We noticed smoke and immediately informed the staff, but they did not pay any heed. When the fire broke out, they were the first to run. Now, we cannot get any information about our patients. We want to know their condition, but no one is telling us.”
Adding to the concerns, another family member who lost a loved one during the fire told ANI that the ICU lacked proper firefighting equipment at the time of the incident. “There was no equipment to extinguish the fire. No cylinders or even water to douse the flames. There were no facilities. My mother passed away,” he said.
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about hospital safety protocols and emergency preparedness at one of Jaipur’s premier medical institutions. Investigations into the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
*Our thoughts are with the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/jaipur-fire-at-least-8-dead-after-massive-blaze-erupts-in-icu-of-sawai-man-singh-hospital