In a heart-wrenching incident, a massive fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Jaipur‘s renowned Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital late Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of six critically ill patients. The blaze, which erupted around 11:30 PM, quickly overwhelmed the ICU ward, prompting frantic efforts by hospital staff and firefighters to control the situation.
The Incident
Initial reports indicate that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the ICU’s electrical system. At the time, the ICU was housing 20 patients. The sudden influx of smoke created chaos, making rescue operations difficult.
Six patients, who were on ventilators and unable to move independently, died from smoke inhalation and severe burns. The remaining 14 patients were evacuated and transferred to other wards, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as hospital staff and firefighters struggled to rescue patients. “The smoke was so thick that visibility was almost zero. We could hear patients calling for help, but reaching them was nearly impossible,” recounted a nurse who was on duty.
Relatives of the patients were devastated, with many blaming the hospital administration for negligence. “My father was in the ICU and we were told he was stable. Now, we don’t even know if he’s alive or not. This is a complete failure of the hospital,” said a distraught family member.
Hospital Administration’s Response
The hospital administration has faced severe criticism for the apparent lack of fire safety measures. SMS Hospital, one of Rajasthan’s largest and most reputed government hospitals, is now under scrutiny for its emergency preparedness.
Dr. Ravi Prakash Mathur, the hospital’s superintendent, expressed profound sorrow and promised a thorough investigation. “This is a tragic event, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of lives. We are working with fire officials to determine the exact cause of the fire and will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stated.
Government Reaction
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot extended his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. He also directed the state health department to conduct a comprehensive audit of fire safety measures in all government hospitals across Rajasthan.
“Such incidents are unacceptable. We will ensure that strict action is taken against those found responsible for negligence,” Gehlot said in a statement.
Broader Concerns
This tragic event has reignited concerns about fire safety in Indian hospitals, many of which suffer from outdated infrastructure and inadequate safety protocols. In recent years, several hospitals across the country have experienced similar fire incidents, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards.
Experts emphasize the urgent need to upgrade fire safety systems in hospitals, particularly in ICUs and other critical care units. “Hospitals must prioritize fire safety, especially in areas where patients are unable to move on their own. Regular audits, staff training, and modern fire suppression systems are essential,” said a fire safety consultant.
Moving Forward
As investigations into the SMS Hospital fire continue, the focus is on ensuring accountability and preventing such tragedies in the future. This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures in healthcare facilities, where the lives of vulnerable patients are at stake.
For the families of the victims, the pain of losing their loved ones in such a horrific manner will take a long time to heal. As Jaipur mourns this devastating loss, there is hope that this tragedy will spur much-needed reforms in hospital safety across the nation.
Stay tuned to NextMinuteNews for further updates on this developing story.
