Jaipur: Six critically ill patients were killed after a fire broke out at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sawai Man Singh Hospital, one of Rajasthan’s largest state-run medical facilities. Eleven patients were in the ICU at the time of the incident.
The fire, believed to have been triggered by a short circuit, started in the storage area of the trauma centre and quickly spread through the building. Fourteen patients from a nearby ICU were evacuated as thick smoke engulfed the room. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours, breaking windows to gain access before bringing it under control.
The victims include two women and four men. Relatives of those who died have accused hospital staff of negligence, claiming there was a lack of emergency equipment. One relative remarked that, “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.”
The loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 6, 2025
Another, who lost his mother, alleged the hospital lacked fire extinguishers, cylinders, or even water to control the flames, according to media reports. Hospital authorities, however, denied the allegations. Jagdish Modi, deputy superintendent of the hospital, stated that, “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.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma assured that an investigation has been launched. Bhajanlal Sharma noted that, “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 expressed his condolences on X, writing that, “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
Hospital fires in India have a troubling history. In November 2024, a fire at a state-run hospital in Jhansi killed at least 10 newborns. A 2024 Indian Express analysis of 11 major hospital fires since 2019 found 107 lives lost, with a recurring pattern of safety lapses, weak oversight, and slow justice. Short circuits were responsible for at least eight incidents, and nine hospitals were found to lack basic firefighting systems.
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