What Happened in Jaipur Hospital Fire? CM Bhajanlal Visits, Ashok Gehlot Demands Investigation

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Eight patients lost their lives due to a fire in the ICU.
- Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered immediate relief.
- Former CM Ashok Gehlot demands a thorough investigation.
- The fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit.
- A six-member committee has been formed for the inquiry.
Jaipur, Oct 6 (NationPress) A tragic fire erupted in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, resulting in the loss of eight critically ill patients. This calamity has generated profound sorrow and raised demands for accountability.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma arrived at the hospital in the early hours, ordering prompt relief measures.
Senior Congress leader and former CM Ashok Gehlot expressed his deep condolences regarding the disaster and insisted on a high-level probe into the incident.
Gehlot shared on social media, “The tragic demise of eight individuals due to the fire in the ICU of SMS Hospital’s Trauma Centre is heart-wrenching. I pray for the peace of the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured.”
He emphasized that a comprehensive investigation by the state government is essential to prevent future incidents.
Chief Minister Sharma also expressed intense sorrow over the events. In a social media post, he labeled the incident as “extremely unfortunate”.
He visited the hospital shortly after the fire to evaluate the situation directly. Following discussions with doctors and hospital staff, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure immediate relief efforts and provide necessary support to the victims and their families. “Every effort is being made to guarantee adequate treatment, safety, and assistance for those affected. The situation is being closely monitored,” he stated.
The fire ignited around 11:20 p.m. in the storeroom of the Neuro ICU at the Trauma Centre. At that time, 11 patients were receiving care in that ICU, with another 13 in the neighboring ward.
The suspected cause is a short circuit, and an official investigation is ongoing. Previously, the state government established a six-member committee to investigate the incident, comprising senior officials from the Medical Department, PWD, Fire Department, and SMS Medical College.