Seven Dead in Massive Fire at Jaipur Hospital ICU

At least seven patients, including three women, died after a major fire broke out late Sunday night in the ICU of the trauma centre at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur.

The blaze erupted around 11:20 PM in a store room of the neuro ICU, which contained papers, medical equipment, and blood sample tubes. Officials suspect a short circuit as the cause.

At the time, 11 patients were admitted in the affected ICU, with 13 others in an adjoining ward.

A fire officer said the entire ward was filled with smoke when crews arrived, blocking all access.

“We had to break windowpanes from the opposite side of the building and spray water jets inside,” he said. It took nearly 90 minutes to extinguish the flames. Patients were evacuated along with their beds and moved to the roadside.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief on Twitter:

“The fire in the ICU of the trauma center at SMS Hospital, resulting in the death of 7 people, is extremely heartbreaking. I pray for minimal loss of life and for the recovery of the injured. May the departed souls rest in peace.”

He also urged the state government to conduct a high-level investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.