Rajasthan: Seven patients die after fire breaks out at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Hospital trauma centre

Family members alleged that staff members fled soon after the blaze was first noticed, media reports said.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, which gutted key documents, blood samples, and ICU equipment.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered an investigation into the incident.

In a post on X, Sharma said, “The fire at the Trauma Centre of Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur is extremely unfortunate. I reached the hospital, spoke with doctors and officials, and directed them to ensure prompt relief efforts. Every possible step is being taken to ensure patient safety, treatment, and care for the affected individuals, and the situation is being continuously monitored.”

According to India Today, about 210 patients were admitted at the time of the incident, with around 40 patients in each of the four ICUs. Only one staff member was reportedly on duty in each ICU at night, who allegedly fled when the fire broke out.

Firefighters took nearly two hours to bring the blaze under control.

Trauma Centre in-charge Dr. Anurag Dhakad told India Today, “A short circuit occurred in the trauma ICU, and the fire spread rapidly, releasing toxic gases. Most of the patients in the trauma ICU were comatose and critically ill. Six of the patients were extremely critical. Despite our best efforts and prolonged CPR, we couldn’t save them. Of the deceased, two were women and four were men. Five other patients remain in critical condition.”

A relative of one of the deceased alleged that the hospital lacked basic fire safety measures, claiming there were no functional extinguishers or water available to control the flames.