At least six patients have died and five others were seriously injured in a fire at a hospital in Jaipur city in India’s western state of Rajasthan, officials said on Monday.
A fire broke out late on Sunday night at the trauma center of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, the largest government hospital in the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a statement on social media platforms.
He said, “The death of people due to fire incident in a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan is extremely saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish speedy recovery to the injured.”
How did the fire break out in Jaipur SMS Hospital?
Hospital official Anurag Dhakad told ANI news agency that the fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU), due to which “poisonous gases were coming out.”
According to reports in Indian media, 11 patients were undergoing treatment in the ICU when the fire broke out.
Dhakad told ANI that most of the patients in the ICU were in coma.
Dense smoke spread in the building, causing panic and chaos among the patients and their relatives.
Sample ordered, family members accused of negligence
Police said that forensic investigation will reveal what caused the fire.
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George said, “Prima facie it appears to be a short circuit.” He said that the final reason would be known only after investigation.
He confirmed that the bodies of the victims have been taken to the mortuary and post mortem will be conducted soon.
Reports say that the Rajasthan government has formed a panel to investigate the cause.
Meanwhile, family members of the patients have accused the hospital staff of negligence.
He claimed hospital staff ignored early smoke warnings and accused officials of hiding information about patients’ conditions amid the chaos. Indian Express,
Edited by: Dmytro Lyubenko