A massive fire erupted late Sunday, 5 October, in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) of Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital. The flames killed eight patients and left several others in critical condition.

Soon after the incident, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital on Monday morning. He immediately ordered a detailed investigation and set up a six-member high-level committee to identify the cause of the fire.

माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री भजनलाल शर्मा जी के निर्देश पर जयपुर स्थित सवाई मानसिंह (SMS) अस्पताल के ट्रॉमा सेंटर में आग लगने की घटना की विस्तृत जांच के लिए समिति गठित की गई है। यह समिति आग लगने के कारणों, अग्निशमन व्यवस्था, मरीजों की सुरक्षा तथा भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाओं की रोकथाम के… pic.twitter.com/5mgqaYN2sZ

— Office Of Bhajan Lal Sharma (@Bhajanlalofc) October 6, 2025

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. The PMO wrote on X, “The loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon: PM.”

Fire Spread Quickly Inside ICU

According to Dr. Anurag Dhakad, the in-charge of the trauma centre, the fire started because of a suspected short circuit in the ICU on the hospital’s second floor. Within minutes, thick toxic smoke filled the entire ward, making it hard for patients to breathe. At that time, 24 patients were admitted  11 in the trauma ICU and 13 in the nearby semi-ICU. Most of them were unconscious and unable to move.

Dr. Dhakad said, “Our trauma centre team, including nursing officers and ward staff, immediately began evacuation using trolleys. We managed to shift as many patients as possible to safety, but six critically ill patients could not be revived despite CPR and all resuscitation efforts.” The victims, including two women and four men, died from severe smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

#SMS हॉस्पिटल: आग में लिपटा अस्पताल, राख में सोई सरकार 🔥

राजस्थान की राजधानी ,#जयपुर में सवाई मान सिंह हॉस्पिटल, जो कभी “राज्य का सबसे बड़ा भरोसा” कहलाता था, अब “सबसे बड़ा हादसा” बन गया। ICU में आग लगी, मरीज मरे, पर सरकार ने वही पुराना राग अलापा — “जांच होगी, मुआवज़ा मिलेगा।” pic.twitter.com/LnNuKn2yy3

— 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐩𝐮𝐭 KAPIL 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@KapilChauhan352) October 6, 2025

Firefighters Respond Swiftly

Firefighters reached the hospital within minutes and began extinguishing the flames. Hospital staff joined them in the rescue effort, helping to evacuate all 24 patients from the two ICUs. However, several patients had already inhaled toxic fumes before they could be saved.

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that a forensic team is now examining the site. He stated, “At first glance, it appears to be a short circuit, but the final cause will only be determined after the FSL investigation. The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to the mortuary. Once everything is done, the post-mortem of the bodies will be conducted.

Families Blame Hospital for Negligence

Soon after the tragedy, grieving families accused the hospital of gross negligence. They claimed that the ICU did not have basic fire safety equipment to contain the flames.

A relative who lost his mother said, “The ICU caught fire, but there was nothing to stop it. No fire extinguishers, no oxygen cylinders, not even water to douse the flames. There were simply no facilities. We watched helplessly as smoke filled the ward. My mother couldn’t be saved.”

Their statements have increased pressure on the hospital authorities and the state government to act quickly.

Government Orders Probe and Safety Review

Following the tragedy, the Rajasthan government ordered a high-level inquiry to identify the cause of the fire and any safety lapses. Officials also announced that they will conduct fire safety audits across all government hospitals in the state to prevent similar incidents.

Currently, five patients remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at SMS Hospital. Authorities have promised strict action once the investigation report is complete.

Growing Concerns Over Hospital Safety

The SMS Hospital fire has raised serious concerns about fire preparedness in healthcare facilities across Rajasthan. As the investigation continues, families of the victims are demanding accountability and stronger safety systems to ensure such tragedies never happen again.