A massive fire broke out at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital’s trauma centre ICU in Jaipur late Sunday night, claiming the lives of at least nine patients and leaving several others injured or traumatised. The tragic incident, which occurred in one of Rajasthan’s largest and most prestigious medical institutions, has shocked the city and raised serious questions about hospital safety standards, electrical maintenance, and emergency preparedness. According to officials, the fire started around 11:45 PM in the ICU located on the first floor of the trauma centre building. The blaze spread rapidly, fuelled by the presence of oxygen cylinders, plastic medical equipment, and electrical wiring. Eyewitnesses and hospital staff reported that within minutes, thick smoke engulfed the ward, creating panic among patients and attendants. Many patients were critical and on ventilator support, making evacuation extremely difficult. Firefighters and hospital staff scrambled to rescue those trapped inside, breaking windows and rushing stretchers out amid choking smoke. Despite their best efforts, nine lives were lost, and several others suffered from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Officials said around 30 patients were present in the ICU when the fire broke out. Emergency response teams managed to move 21 patients to nearby wards and hospitals, including the main SMS building and private facilities in Jaipur. Many survivors were in shock, with doctors saying that several required oxygen support due to smoke inhalation. Families of patients waiting outside the ICU were thrown into panic as they saw smoke rising from the building, and many rushed in to try and rescue their loved ones before being restrained by security personnel. Authorities said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, though initial investigations point towards a short circuit in the air conditioning system or an electrical panel near the ICU. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who visited the hospital early Monday morning, expressed deep grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also ordered a high-level probe into the tragedy and directed officials to ensure that such incidents do not recur. “This is a deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking incident. I have asked the Chief Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against anyone found responsible,” Sharma said while addressing reporters outside the hospital. The Chief Minister spent time with the grieving families and assured them that the government would cover all medical expenses for the injured. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, who also reached the site soon after the incident, confirmed that fire alarms and sprinkler systems in the ICU did not function as expected. “Preliminary findings suggest a failure in fire safety mechanisms. We are looking into whether proper maintenance was being carried out,” he stated. The hospital administration said that despite regular inspections, the trauma centre’s electrical infrastructure had been under strain due to heavy load from life-saving equipment and air-conditioning units. Fire department officials reported that it took more than two hours and ten fire tenders to bring the blaze under control. “When our teams arrived, the entire ICU was filled with smoke. Our priority was to rescue patients first, but visibility was almost zero. We had to use breathing apparatus and break through glass panels to reach those trapped inside,” said Jaipur’s Chief Fire Officer, Ramesh Choudhary. He added that oxygen cylinders stored nearby posed a major risk and could have led to a bigger explosion had they not been removed in time. Survivors and family members have accused the hospital management of negligence and lack of preparedness. Some alleged that there were no clear evacuation plans and that staff initially appeared confused. “We heard a blast-like sound, followed by smoke. There were no alarms, no sprinklers, nothing. We had to run with patients in our arms,” said a relative of one of the victims. The incident has reignited the debate on fire safety standards in government hospitals across India. Experts point out that many hospitals lack modern fire safety systems, regular electrical audits, and trained emergency response teams. Despite repeated directives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), compliance remains inconsistent, particularly in older public hospitals like SMS. A senior fire safety consultant noted that “in many hospitals, electrical circuits are overloaded with equipment. Oxygen-rich environments make any fire extremely dangerous. What’s needed is not just equipment but proper maintenance and drills.” In the wake of the Jaipur tragedy, opposition leaders have criticised the state government for failing to upgrade public health infrastructure. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed condolences and demanded accountability, calling the incident “a failure of governance.” He said, “This is not just a tragedy but a reminder that lives are being lost due to negligence. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure that every hospital meets fire safety norms.” Hospital authorities have sealed off the affected ICU and ordered a full technical inspection of the trauma centre building. All critical care patients have been shifted to alternative facilities, and the hospital administration has assured that medical services will continue without disruption. Forensic teams have begun collecting samples from the site to determine the exact cause of ignition, while the police have registered a case of negligence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The Rajasthan government has announced that an independent committee headed by a retired High Court judge will review the findings of the technical report and recommend measures for fire safety across all state hospitals. The tragedy has not only exposed systemic gaps in safety but also highlighted the bravery of hospital staff and firefighters who risked their lives to save others. For Jaipur’s residents, the night of the fire will be remembered as one of chaos, fear, and immense grief — a stark reminder that even in places meant for healing, safety can never be taken for granted.
