A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night in the trauma ICU of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, claiming the lives of six critically ill patients.
The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, erupted on the second floor of the state-run facility, rapidly filling the ward with toxic smoke.
Eyewitnesses and grieving families alleged that hospital staff abandoned their posts during the emergency, leaving attendants to rescue patients on their own.
At the time of the incident, 210 patients were admitted across four ICUs, with only one staff member reportedly present per unit. Firefighters took nearly two hours to contain the blaze, while survivors were shifted to other wards.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma cancelled his scheduled Delhi visit and ordered a high-level inquiry led by Medical Education Commissioner Iqbal Khan. The probe will examine fire safety protocols, hospital response, and preventive measures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and former CM Ashok Gehlot expressed condolences. Families continue to demand transparency and accountability.
