What caused the tragic fire at Jaipur's SMS Hospital?
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Synopsis
A devastating fire at the Trauma Centre of SMS Hospital in Jaipur has resulted in six confirmed fatalities. Initial reports suggested a higher death toll, raising critical questions about hospital safety protocols. The state government is investigating the incident, while families demand accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Six confirmed deaths in the SMS Hospital fire.
- Initial reports inaccurately suggested a higher death toll.
- Fire believed to have been caused by a short circuit.
- Investigation and evidence collection underway.
- Concerns raised regarding hospital safety protocols.
Jaipur, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Rajasthan government has officially confirmed that six individuals tragically lost their lives in the fire incident at the Trauma Centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, located in Jaipur. This statement was released following initial reports suggesting that the death toll had reached eight.
State officials have since clarified that the verified number of fatalities stands at six.
In a statement released on Monday, the State Health Department identified the deceased: Pintu (25) from Sikar, Dilip (40) from Jaipur, Shri Nath (54) from Bharatpur, Rukmani (45) from Bharatpur, Bahadur (40) from Jaipur, and Kusuma (54) from Bharatpur.
These individuals were critically ill patients in the Neurosurgery ICU-1 at the time of the fire late Sunday night.
Hospital authorities reported that the fire began around 11:20 p.m. on Sunday, likely triggered by a short circuit in the ICU’s storeroom.
The smoke quickly filled the room, causing panic and suffocation in the ICU. At the time, there were 11 patients in the Neuro ICU; all were evacuated, but six tragically succumbed, reportedly due to smoke inhalation and related complications.
The Trauma and Orthopaedic Institute at SMS Hospital accommodates a total of 284 beds, which includes 46 ICU beds and six general wards, housing approximately 250 patients at any moment.
The hospital operates eight operating theatres, conducting 40 to 60 surgeries daily, underscoring the facility's vital role in emergency and trauma care. Officials noted that a swift response from the fire brigade, hospital personnel, local citizen security volunteers, and police administration was crucial in controlling the fire and preventing it from spreading to other areas.
The state government has initiated an official investigation into this incident.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has started collecting evidence to ascertain the exact cause and identify any lapses in safety protocols.
This tragedy has sparked serious concerns regarding hospital infrastructure and emergency preparedness at one of Rajasthan's largest medical institutions, as grieving family members staged a dharna demanding justice.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the tragedy's impact on both the victims' families and the broader healthcare system. The need for stringent safety protocols in hospitals cannot be overstated. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our health infrastructure, and it is crucial that we hold accountable those responsible for ensuring patient safety.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Jaipur hospital fire?
The Rajasthan government has confirmed that six individuals lost their lives in the fire at SMS Hospital.
What caused the fire at SMS Hospital?
The fire is believed to have been triggered by a short circuit in the ICU’s storeroom.
What measures are being taken following the incident?
The state government has launched an investigation, and a Forensic Science Laboratory team is collecting evidence.
How many patients were in the ICU during the fire?
At the time of the incident, there were 11 patients in the Neuro ICU.
What is the capacity of SMS Hospital?
SMS Hospital has a total of 284 beds, including 46 ICU beds and multiple general wards.
