A massive fire broke out in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SMS Hospital in Jaipur, sending shockwaves through the city and raising urgent questions about hospital safety standards. The blaze, reportedly triggered by a short circuit, led to multiple casualties and scenes of panic as smoke rapidly filled the ward.

Fire Erupts Inside Trauma ICU

According to initial reports, the incident began when an electrical short circuit ignited equipment inside the Trauma ICU. Within moments, thick smoke engulfed the area, making visibility nearly impossible for both patients and staff. Witnesses described hearing alarms and seeing flames spread quickly through critical care sections before emergency responders arrived.

Panic and Chaos as Smoke Spread

As the fire intensified, chaos erupted inside the hospital corridors. Relatives of patients recounted terrifying moments when they realized that medical personnel had fled the scene amid growing smoke. Many family members rushed into the ICU themselves, trying desperately to pull their loved ones to safety while choking on fumes. The confusion was compounded by power disruptions and a lack of clear evacuation guidance.

Witness Accounts Reveal Desperate Rescue Efforts

Eyewitnesses described heart-wrenching scenes as people used makeshift tools to break windows and carry patients out on stretchers. Some relatives reportedly risked their own lives to reach those trapped inside rooms filled with dense smoke. Firefighters eventually managed to control the blaze after intense efforts, but by then several patients had succumbed to injuries or suffocation.

Staff Response Under Scrutiny

The conduct of hospital staff during the emergency has come under severe criticism from families of victims and witnesses alike. Many alleged that doctors and nurses abandoned their posts when smoke began spreading instead of assisting with evacuations. These claims have prompted widespread outrage and calls for accountability from health authorities overseeing hospital operations in Jaipur.

Safety Measures Questioned After Tragedy

The incident has reignited debate over fire preparedness in healthcare institutions across India. Experts note that hospitals must maintain functional alarms, accessible exits, and regular electrical inspections to prevent such disasters. The SMS Hospital fire has highlighted how lapses in maintenance or emergency planning can have fatal consequences for vulnerable patients dependent on life-support equipment.

The tragedy at SMS Hospital stands as a grim reminder of how quickly negligence can turn deadly within medical facilities meant to provide care and protection. As investigations continue into what caused the short circuit and how staff responded, families of victims are demanding justice and reforms to ensure no other patient faces such horror again.