Tragedy Strikes Jaipur Hospital as Fire Claims 6 Lives in ICU
A devastating fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Jaipur on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of six critically ill patients. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit, has exposed serious lapses in fire safety protocols, with grieving families accusing the hospital staff of negligence.
Chaos and Panic as Fire Engulfs ICU
The fire erupted around 11:30 PM in the ICU ward, located in a bustling area of Jaipur. Preliminary reports suggest that the flames spread rapidly due to the presence of oxygen cylinders and other flammable medical equipment. Despite efforts by hospital staff and fire department personnel, six patients, unable to move on their own, succumbed to smoke inhalation and burns.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as relatives and hospital employees struggled to evacuate. “The smoke was so thick that it was impossible to see anything. We could hear people screaming for help, but there was no one to guide them out,” said a relative of one of the victims.
Families Outraged Over Alleged Negligence
The families of the deceased have lashed out at the hospital administration, accusing them of failing to act swiftly. “My father was already in a critical condition, and now he has died because of their carelessness. They didn’t even have a proper fire safety system in place,” said a distraught family member. Another relative claimed that hospital staff abandoned the patients during the crisis, leaving them without assistance.
Fire Department’s Response and Investigation
The Jaipur fire department arrived within 20 minutes and managed to control the blaze after a two-hour operation. However, the ICU was completely destroyed. “The fire spread quickly because of the oxygen cylinders and other flammable materials,” said a fire officer.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the hospital lacked essential firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers and smoke detectors, and did not have a functional evacuation plan. Authorities also noted that the facility had not conducted fire safety audits in recent years.
Political Outrage and Compensation
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with political leaders and activists demanding accountability. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a thorough investigation and announced ₹5 lakh in compensation for each victim’s family. “This is a grave tragedy, and we will ensure that strict action is taken against those responsible,” he said.
Hospital’s Response and Future Measures
The hospital administration has expressed regret over the incident and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event. We are working with the authorities to determine the cause of the fire and will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future,” they stated.
A Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Safety
This tragedy underscores the critical need for stringent fire safety measures in healthcare facilities, where vulnerable patients are often unable to escape on their own. It highlights the importance of regular safety audits and stricter enforcement of norms to prevent such disasters.
As Jaipur mourns the loss of six lives, the focus now shifts to ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies. This incident serves as a stark reminder for the healthcare system to prioritize safety and protect lives.
Stay tuned to NextMinuteNews for updates on this developing story.
