A devastating fire at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College late Sunday night claimed the lives of eight critically ill patients in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The incident has raised serious concerns about hospital safety standards and emergency preparedness in one of Rajasthan’s largest medical institutions.

Fire Erupts in Neuro ICU

According to initial reports, the blaze began in the Neuro ICU of SMS Hospital, where several patients were undergoing critical treatment. The fire is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, though a detailed forensic examination is underway to confirm the cause. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as smoke filled the ward, forcing staff and attendants to flee for safety.

Delayed Response Allegations

Eyewitnesses and attendants alleged that the response to the emergency was delayed, with claims that some hospital personnel abandoned their posts during the crisis. Rescue operations were reportedly hampered by dense smoke and confusion within the facility. Firefighters eventually managed to control the blaze, but by then, eight patients had succumbed to suffocation and burn injuries.

Government Orders Inquiry and Compensation

In response to public outrage and grief, the Rajasthan government has announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Authorities have also ordered a comprehensive safety audit across all state-run hospitals to prevent such incidents in the future. Several officials have been suspended pending investigation into possible negligence or procedural lapses.

Fire Safety Agency Contract Cancelled

Following preliminary findings, the state administration terminated its contract with a private agency responsible for maintaining fire safety systems at SMS Hospital. Officials stated that lapses in maintenance and inspection could have contributed to the rapid spread of flames through electrical wiring and equipment inside the ICU unit. The cancellation underscores growing scrutiny over third-party safety vendors operating within public healthcare facilities.

Court Seeks Explanation from Authorities

The Rajasthan High Court has taken cognizance of the incident and questioned state authorities over recurring safety failures in public hospitals. During proceedings, judges expressed concern about inadequate infrastructure and asked officials to clarify what measures were being implemented to ensure patient safety going forward. The court’s intervention has intensified pressure on administrators to deliver transparent findings from the ongoing inquiry.

The tragic event at SMS Hospital has reignited debate over hospital fire preparedness across India, where similar incidents have exposed systemic weaknesses in electrical maintenance, staff training, and emergency response planning. Experts emphasize that regular audits, functional alarms, and evacuation drills are essential for preventing such disasters in high-dependency medical units.

As investigations continue, families of victims await accountability while authorities pledge reforms aimed at strengthening safety protocols across Rajasthan’s healthcare network. The loss of eight lives serves as a stark reminder of how critical vigilance is within medical environments where every second counts during emergencies.