Jaipur – A devastating fire erupted in the intensive care unit of Rajasthan’s Sawai Man Singh Hospital early Monday, claiming the lives of six patients and leaving five others in critical condition, according to hospital authorities.
The incident unfolded in the trauma ICU on the second floor of the hospital’s trauma center, where a sudden electrical short circuit ignited a blaze that rapidly intensified. Thick toxic smoke filled the ward, complicating rescue efforts amid the chaos.
Dr. Anurag Dhakad, the officer in charge of the SMS Hospital trauma center, described the sequence of events to the ANI news agency. He explained that the facility houses two specialized units on that floor: a fully equipped trauma ICU and an adjacent semi-ICU. At the time of the outbreak, 24 patients were under care across both areas 11 in the trauma ICU and 13 in the semi-ICU.
Many of those in the trauma ICU were in comatose states, relying heavily on life-support systems, which heightened the urgency of the situation. “A short circuit sparked in the trauma ICU, and flames spread swiftly, generating hazardous gases that permeated the space,” Dr. Dhakad recounted. The hospital’s medical staff, including nurses and ward attendants, sprang into action without delay. They swiftly maneuvered the vulnerable patients onto trolleys, evacuating as many as possible to a safer area within the premises.
Despite their valiant attempts to stabilize the most severely affected individuals through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), six succumbed to their injuries and the effects of the smoke inhalation. Among the fatalities were two female patients and four males, all of whom had been in grave condition prior to the fire.
The remaining patients, including the five now fighting for their lives, were promptly transferred to alternative care zones to continue receiving intensive treatment. Investigations into the exact cause of the short circuit are underway, with preliminary indications pointing to a possible electrical fault in the unit’s wiring or equipment.
This heartbreaking episode underscores the inherent risks in high-stakes medical environments, where even minor malfunctions can escalate into life-threatening emergencies. Hospital officials have pledged full cooperation with local fire and safety authorities to prevent future occurrences, as the community mourns the loss of those under their care.
