(MENAFN) A devastating fire at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a major hospital in Jaipur, western India, has claimed the lives of six critically ill patients. The incident occurred late Sunday night at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital, one of the largest state-run medical facilities in Rajasthan.

Reports indicate the fire originated in a storage area within the trauma centre’s ICU, likely due to an electrical short circuit. At the time of the blaze, eleven patients were receiving critical care inside the ward.

The victims included four men and two women. Family members of those killed have leveled serious accusations of negligence against hospital staff, alleging delayed responses and inadequate emergency preparedness. Officials from the hospital have denied these claims.

One family member told reporters, “We noticed smoke and immediately informed the staff, but they did not pay any heed. When the fire broke out, they were the first to run.” Another relative, who lost his mother, claimed, “There were no fire extinguishers, cylinders or even water to douse the fire.”

Despite these accusations, hospital deputy superintendent Jagdish Modi refuted any wrongdoing, stating, “I can understand people's sentiments in such a situation, but the allegations are untrue. Several hospital staff members risked their own lives to protect the patients and evacuated ICUs and wards.”

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames after nearly two hours. Fourteen other patients from a nearby ICU were safely evacuated as smoke rapidly spread through the facility.
The Rajasthan state government has launched an investigation into the tragedy. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said, “Every possible step is being taken to ensure patient safety, treatment, and care for those affected, and the situation is being continuously monitored.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the tragedy, offering his condolences via social media: “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”

Hospital fires remain a recurring issue in India. In November 2024, a blaze at a government hospital in Jhansi killed at least ten newborns. An investigation last year found that among 11 major hospital fires since 2019 — which claimed a total of 107 lives — most were linked to short circuits and poor fire safety infrastructure.

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