Jaipur Hospital Fire: A Night of Tragedy and Chaos
A devastating fire at a private hospital in Jaipur’s Vaishali Nagar area has left eight dead and several injured, raising serious concerns about fire safety in healthcare facilities. Eyewitnesses and relatives allege that hospital staff fled, leaving patients to fend for themselves.
The Terrifying Incident
The fire broke out around 11 PM on the hospital’s ground floor, quickly spreading smoke through the building. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion, with many claiming hospital staff abandoned their posts.
“It was a nightmare,” said Ramesh Kumar, a relative of a patient. “The smoke was everywhere, and no one guided us. The staff just disappeared.”
Meena Sharma, another witness, added, “They were the first to run. No one helped the elderly or bedridden patients. It was heartbreaking.”
Rescue Efforts and Victims
Firefighters arrived within 20 minutes and battled the blaze for over two hours. Eight lives were lost, including elderly patients unable to escape. Several others suffered burns and smoke inhalation and are now receiving treatment.
A fire official described the operation as challenging, citing smoke-filled corridors and narrow staircases.
Allegations of Negligence
Relatives of the victims accused the hospital of gross negligence, citing the lack of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and smoke detectors.
“This was carelessness,” said Sunil Mehta, who lost his uncle. “They had no safety measures in place.”
A Call for Change
The incident underscores the need for stricter fire safety enforcement in healthcare facilities. Experts urge regular audits and adherence to safety norms to prevent future tragedies.
As Jaipur mourns, the fire serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms.
NextMinuteNews will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
