Jaipur, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): A tragic fire broke out late Sunday night in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, Jaipur, claiming the lives of eight patients, including three women. The incident occurred around 11:20 PM in the Neuro ICU ward’s store room, where papers, medical equipment, and blood sampler tubes were stored.
According to hospital authorities, a short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire. At the time of the incident, there were 11 patients in the affected ICU and 13 patients in the adjoining unit. Despite prompt efforts, thick smoke and rapid flames made rescue operations difficult.
Following the incident, angry relatives of patients staged a protest outside the Trauma Centre, alleging gross negligence by hospital management. They accused authorities of delayed response and lack of timely evacuation, which they claim led to the deaths.
Protesters blocked the main road, demanding accountability and immediate action against those responsible. Many family members also expressed frustration over lack of communication from hospital officials regarding the condition of their loved ones.
Hospital officials have initiated an internal inquiry, and fire safety protocols at SMS Hospital are likely to come under intense scrutiny in the coming days.
The Rajasthan Medical Education Department has constituted a six-member committee to investigate the fire incident at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital Trauma Centre, which claimed eight lives late Sunday night.
According to an official order issued by Ambreesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Medical Education Department, Commissioner Iqbal Khan has been appointed as the chairman of the committee.
The committee includes:
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Mukesh Kumar Meena, Additional Director, Hospital Administration (RajMES)
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Chandan Singh Meena, Chief Engineer, RajMES
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Ajay Mathur, Chief Engineer (Electrical), PWD
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Dr. R.K. Jain, Additional Principal, SMS Medical College
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Chief Fire Officer, Jaipur Municipal Corporation
The panel has been tasked with submitting a detailed investigation report covering:
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The exact cause of the fire
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The fire control measures in place at the time
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Evacuation arrangements and patient safety protocols
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Lapses in response, if any, and accountability
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Recommendations to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
