Jaipur Hospital Fire at SMS Trauma Centre Highlights Urgent Need for Safety Measures


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A devastating SMS Hospital Fire in Jaipur claimed the lives of seven patients, including three women, after flames tore through the trauma centre’s ICU on Sunday night. The fire began around 11:20 pm in the neuro ICU storeroom, which held medical supplies, paper records, and blood sample tubes. 

Reports suggest that the fire accident was caused by a short circuit in the ICU, though authorities are still verifying the details.

Chaos as Smoke Filled the Ward


According to fire officials, the entire ICU was engulfed in dense smoke before emergency teams could reach the site. “By the time crews arrived, the ward was inaccessible due to heavy smoke,” said a fire officer. 

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Rescuers broke windowpanes from the opposite side and sprayed water jets inside to control the blaze. It took over an hour and a half to douse the flames and evacuate patients to safety.

Reactions and High-Level Inquiry Ordered

At the time of the incident, 11 patients were in the affected ward, while 13 others were housed nearby. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated in his tweet that, “The fire in the ICU of the trauma center at SMS Hospital, resulting in the death of 7 people, is extremely heartbreaking. I pray to God that there is minimal loss of life in this accident. May the Lord grant place to the departed souls at His divine feet and swiftly restore the health of the injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "The loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon." 

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Lessons and Accountability Ahead

The SMS Hospital Fire variously lifted debates on fire standards and fire preparedness in the government hospitals. Experts note that such sites are open for overcrowded wards and shoddy electrical systems. 

While the authorities are at work determining the exact cause, this incident remains a foul reminder of past systemic errors. In the course of the inquiries, families and citizens hope that a change will be made to the safety system on which the Jaipur medical network depends.