Jaipur, October 6 — Eight patients lost their lives and three others were critically injured after a massive fire broke out in the ICU of the trauma centre at Sawai Man Singh Hospital late Sunday night. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the site on Monday and ordered a high-level probe into alleged negligence, including a failed fire alarm and delayed oxygen shutdown, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The blaze erupted around 11:20 p.m. in the ICU storeroom, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, engulfing papers, medical equipment and blood sample tubes. At the time, 18 patients were admitted in the ICU and semi-ICU, with 11 in the affected ward. Toxic smoke spread rapidly, causing panic and complicating rescue efforts. Fire brigade teams arrived, but the flames and fumes delayed operations, with staff and family members breaking windows and doors to evacuate patients. The fire was controlled after one to one and a half hours, and survivors were treated on the street outside.
Dr. Anurag Dhakad, nodal officer for the trauma centre, stated that 11 patients were in the ICU, with some evacuated immediately, while six were trapped as the fire spread to the adjacent ward holding 13 others, as per New Indian Express reports. Among the deceased were three women, and the incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols.
Families of the victims staged a sit-in protest outside the hospital, accusing staff of ignoring smoke warnings and fleeing the scene. Omprakash, cousin of victim Pintu, said, “As soon as the smoke began to rise, we alerted the staff, but no one paid attention. It took more than 20 minutes for the fire to engulf the entire ward. Instead of helping patients, the hospital staff fled,” as reported by PTI. Rukmani, daughter of another victim, added, “My mother was recovering well, but then the disaster happened. When the smoke filled the ward, there were 15 to 16 people there, and everyone tried to evacuate their patients.” Jogendra, a relative, noted, “Visibility was nearly zero due to thick smoke. No one helped my mother. My elder brother grabbed a torch from the hospital staff, found her, and brought her out. We could not save her.”
Attendants complained to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister Bedham about the staff’s alleged negligence. One attendant told PTI, “We noticed smoke and immediately informed the staff, but they did not pay any attention. When the fire broke out, they were the first to run. Now, we cannot get any information about our patients.” During Sharma’s visit, some family members alleged police pushed them away.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma arrived late Sunday night, assessed the situation and directed immediate resources for the injured. “This is a very sad and worrying incident. Strict action will be taken against the culprits,” Sharma said. He sought a detailed report from Medical Education Secretary Ambrish Kumar, Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, Jaipur Collector Jitendra Soni and SMS Medical College Principal Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, and ordered a high-level investigation committee to probe negligence, including the adequacy of firefighting equipment and safety measures.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanded a high-level inquiry on X, stating, “The government should ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.” The tragedy at Jaipur’s largest government hospital has spotlighted lapses in the health system’s preparedness. All eyes are on the investigation report to determine accountability.
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