Rajasthan News: Eight Patients Killed As Fire Erupts Inside Jaipur’s SMS Hospital ICU

A devastating fire broke out late at night in the ICU of the trauma centre at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital, leading to the deaths of eight patients, including two women. The fire reportedly started on the second floor in the new ward, spreading rapidly and trapping critically ill patients inside. Despite firefighters controlling the blaze after two hours of intense effort, questions are now being raised about negligence and safety lapses. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire, which officials suspect may have been triggered by a short circuit. Families of the deceased have accused hospital authorities of gross negligence, demanding justice and the resignation of the health minister. Many claim the hospital’s emergency response was delayed and that the safety systems failed during the crisis. The ICU ward, where patients were admitted with hopes of recovery, tragically turned into a death trap. Authorities have sealed the area, and evidence is being collected for the ongoing investigation. This incident has sparked outrage across Rajasthan over hospital safety standards and accountability in public healthcare institutions.