NEW DELHI — At least six patients were killed and five others injured after a devastating fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sawai Man Singh Hospital — the largest state-run medical facility in Jaipur, Rajasthan — late on Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze, believed to have been caused by a short-circuit, erupted in the neurosurgery ICU, quickly spreading through the trauma centre and releasing toxic gases that filled the ward.
“Five patients are still in critical condition,” said hospital official Anurag Dhakad, adding that 13 patients were safely evacuated from two affected wards.
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Firefighters Took Two Hours to Contain Blaze
According to hospital superintendent Dr. Sushil Kumar Bhati, fire brigade teams reached the scene within 20 minutes of the alarm. Despite their rapid response, it took nearly two hours to bring the flames under control.
Most of the ICU’s medical equipment, including ventilators and monitors, was completely gutted by the fire, local broadcaster NDTV reported.
Investigation Ordered
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that a forensic inquiry has been launched to determine the precise cause of the blaze.
The Rajasthan government has also announced the formation of a special inquiry committee to assess the hospital’s firefighting systems, emergency response, and preventive measures.
“The committee will study the adequacy of safety protocols and recommend steps to prevent such tragedies in the future,” said a spokesperson for the state government.
Recurring Hospital Fires Raise Alarm
India has witnessed a string of hospital fires in recent years, often linked to electrical short circuits and outdated safety systems.
In November 2024, ten newborns died in a neonatal intensive care unit blaze in Uttar Pradesh, while in May 2024, six infants were killed in a fire at a baby care hospital in New Delhi.
The Jaipur tragedy once again highlights the urgent need for improved hospital safety standards across India, where frequent power overloads and inadequate fire preparedness continue to put vulnerable patients at risk.