The Incident: Fire Ravages ICU Late at Night
A devastating fire broke out late Sunday at the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, killing six critically ill patients and leaving five more in critical condition, officials said.
The blaze began around 11:20 pm in a storeroom adjacent to the ICU and quickly spread through the ward, producing toxic smoke that hampered rescue efforts.
Death Toll & Evacuations
- According to hospital official Anurag Dhakad, six patients died from smoke inhalation and toxic gas exposure.
- Five other patients remained in critical condition after being evacuated from the affected ICU and other nearby wards.
- In total, 13 patients were successfully moved out from two wards of the hospital.
- Firefighters reportedly arrived within 20 minutes of the first call and managed to control the fire after about two hours.
Cause & Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny
The suspected cause is a short circuit in the storage area adjoining the neurosurgery ICU.
Relatives of the victims have raised serious allegations of negligence:
- They claimed staff fled as smoke spread, with little effort to rescue bedridden patients.
- Some said fire alarms didn’t ring, extinguishers were unavailable, and emergency response was delayed.
The hospital’s superintendent, Sushil Kumar Bhati, rejected claims of gross negligence, saying many staff did attempt evacuations.
Government & Public Response
- The Rajasthan state government has formed a six-member panel to investigate the fire, including the hospital’s safety equipment, staff responses, and structural arrangements.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and directed authorities to support victims’ families.
- Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other political leaders have demanded a comprehensive inquiry and accountability.
Broader Context & Precedents
Hospital fires in India are not rare, particularly in ICUs and wards reliant on oxygen systems and electrical equipment. Similar past tragedies include:
- A neonatal ICU fire in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, where 10 newborns died.
- The 2011 AMRI hospital fire in Kolkata, which claimed many lives and led to the arrest of hospital directors over safety violations.
These cases highlight recurring problems: electrical wiring issues, overuse of oxygen equipment, lack of emergency drills, and inadequate fire infrastructure.
What Must Be Done Now
- The investigation must be thorough and transparent, with forensic and fire safety experts assessing all causes and responsibility.
- Hospital authorities must audit and upgrade fire safety measures—alarms, sprinkler systems, evacuation routes, staff training.
- Regulatory bodies should enforce stricter compliance and standards across hospitals, especially in ICUs and trauma wards.
- Infrastructure funding is needed for older institutions like SMS Hospital, which serves as a major referral centre.
