NEW DELHI: Families of patients at Jaipur’s state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital Trauma Centre have accused medical staff of negligence after a devastating fire in the Trauma ICU late Sunday night claimed six lives.
Relatives recounted scenes of chaos and fear as thick smoke filled the ward, alleging that safety measures were grossly inadequate and staff abandoned patients in distress.
“When a spark appeared, there was a gas cylinder right beside it. The smoke spread instantly, and everyone panicked. Some people managed to save their own patients, but mine was left behind. As the smoke worsened, they locked the gates,” said Puran Singh, a relative, speaking to ANI.
Narendra Singh, another relative, said he was having dinner when the fire began.
“I didn’t even know there was a fire in the ICU. There wasn’t a single piece of equipment to control it. My mother was inside,” he said.
Om Prakash, whose 25-year-old cousin was admitted, recalled alerting doctors as smoke began to spread.
“Around 11:20 PM, I warned them it could harm the patients, but by the time it grew worse, the doctors and compounders had already run away. Only four or five patients were rescued. My cousin died — he was recovering and was supposed to be discharged in two or three days,” he said.
Jogendra Singh alleged that staff ignored repeated warnings.
“I told them several times about sparks, but they dismissed it as normal. When smoke filled the room, all the staff ran out. The police told me everyone had been evacuated, but my mother and brother were still trapped inside. I somehow saved my brother, but he’s critical,” he said.
Another relative, Ranjit Singh Rathore, said he was not allowed in immediately.
“When I finally entered, I found my brother dead,” he said.
According to hospital officials, the fire was caused by a short circuit in the Trauma ICU on the second floor. At the time, 11 patients were in the ICU and 13 in the adjacent semi-ICU. The blaze spread rapidly, releasing toxic gases that proved fatal for several patients, many of whom were comatose.
Dr. Anurag Dhakad, the Trauma Centre in-charge, said staff evacuated all 24 patients to safer areas using trolleys.
“Despite CPR and other efforts, six critically ill patients could not be revived. Five others remain in critical condition,” he said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital shortly after the incident to review the situation and assess the hospital’s response.
