At least six patients lost their lives after a devastating fire broke out in the trauma centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, the largest government-run medical facility in Jaipur, India. The blaze, which began late Sunday night, spread rapidly through the intensive care unit (ICU) and into an adjoining ward, releasing toxic gases that made rescue operations difficult.
Hospital official Anurag Dhakad told ANI news agency that the fire was “suspected to have been caused by a short circuit”. He added that five other patients remain in critical condition, while 13 were safely evacuated from the affected areas.
Located in the heart of Rajasthan’s capital, SMS Hospital is a vital referral centre serving patients from across the state. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about hospital safety and emergency preparedness in public health institutions.
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that forensic experts have begun investigating the exact cause of the blaze. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan state government has formed a high-level committee to probe the incident. The investigation will examine the hospital’s response to the fire, its firefighting systems, and preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
This latest disaster adds to a troubling series of hospital fires in India. In November, ten newborns died after a blaze broke out in a neonatal intensive care unit in Uttar Pradesh, also reportedly triggered by an electrical short circuit.
Public outrage is growing over recurring safety failures in healthcare institutions, many of which are poorly equipped to handle fire emergencies. Experts are urging stricter enforcement of fire safety standards and regular inspections in hospitals nationwide.
As investigations continue, families of the victims are demanding accountability and swift action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
