Jaipur, Oct 6 (NationPress) A catastrophic fire at the Trauma Centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur has resulted in the tragic loss of eight lives, sparking widespread shock, heartfelt condolences, and pressing inquiries about the safety protocols in one of Rajasthan’s leading healthcare institutions.

The inferno erupted late Sunday night, starting in an adjacent storeroom to the ICU, rapidly spreading and leading to most casualties reportedly caused by suffocation. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) began collecting evidence from the scene on Monday morning, while autopsies commenced at the hospital mortuary.

Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar labeled the incident as “heart-wrenching” and confirmed that a thorough investigation has been initiated at the request of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.

“We have issued clear directives to ensure no negligence occurs in treating the injured. Strict actions will follow if any lapses are found. The government is standing by the families affected during this challenging time,” he stated.

Chief Minister Sharma visited the hospital early Monday and later expressed on social media: “The fire incident in the Trauma Center is unfortunate. We are actively monitoring the situation and providing all possible assistance to those impacted.”

Director General of Police Rajiv Sharma also visited the hospital to oversee the developments. Meanwhile, bereaved families have raised concerns about the hospital staff's response during the emergency.

Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully extended his condolences, remarking that the deaths of eight individuals, including three women, are “deeply saddening and tragic,” while calling for accountability.

Initial investigations indicate that the fire started in a locked storeroom within the ICU that housed flammable materials such as paper records and plastic tubing.

Officials stated that delays in accessing the storeroom may have exacerbated the smoke situation, proving fatal for patients.

This devastating event has not only left families in mourning but has also reignited discussions surrounding fire safety, emergency readiness, and accountability in government hospitals throughout the state.