JAIPUR, Rajasthan: A devastating fire at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, late on Sunday night has claimed the lives of at least six patients, prompting an outpouring of grief from the nation’s top leadership. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, which is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the trauma centre.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media to convey his anguish over the loss of lives. A post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated: “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,”.
Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences, assuring that all necessary measures were being taken at the local level. In a social media post, Mr. Shah stated, “The incident of a fire breaking out at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur is tragic. The local administration is taking every possible step for the safety of patients, their treatment, and the care of those affected,” adding, “My condolences are with the families of those who have lost their lives in this accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
According to reports, The fire reportedly broke out around 11:20 pm on Sunday in Neurosurgery ICU 1 of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Institute within the SMS Hospital complex. According to Dr. Anurag Dhakad, in-charge of the SMS Hospital Trauma Centre, eleven patients were admitted to the affected ICU, all of whom were immediately shifted. The Medical Superintendent’s office confirmed that six patients succumbed to the tragedy, which was attributed to a short circuit, reports said.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and an official investigation. The Rajasthan government has reportedly constituted a six-member committee, chaired by the Commissioner of the Medical Education Department, Iqbal Khan, to conduct a thorough probe into the causes of the fire, examine hospital preparedness, and recommend steps to prevent future incidents, reports said. Relatives of the deceased have staged protests outside the hospital, alleging that negligence on the part of the hospital staff, including ignoring early warnings of smoke, exacerbated the tragic situation.
