Rajasthan Hospital Fire: PM Modi Offers Condolences, CM Promises Justice

In the heart-wrenching incident that has gripped the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound grief over the tragic fire at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital's trauma centre in Jaipur, where six critical patients lost their lives late Sunday night. The blaze, which erupted in the Neuro ICU, has not only claimed precious lives but also ignited fierce allegations of negligence from grieving families, amplifying calls for accountability in Rajasthan's healthcare system.

PM Modi's poignant response came swiftly via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he conveyed his deep sorrow in Hindi: "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." This emotional outreach from the Prime Minister underscores his unwavering commitment to the well-being of citizens, especially in times of crisis.

Known for his empathetic leadership, Modi has repeatedly used social media to connect directly with the affected, offering solace and reinforcing the government's resolve to support the bereaved. His words have resonated widely, with thousands of retweets and messages of solidarity pouring in, highlighting the national outpouring of grief and the PM's role as a unifying figure in such dark moments.

The fire, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the storage area, rapidly engulfed the facility around 10 PM, filling the ward with thick, suffocating smoke. Trauma centre in-charge Dr. Anurag Dhakad confirmed that 11 patients were under treatment in the Neuro ICU at the time. "Six of them—two women and four men—tragically succumbed to the blaze and smoke inhalation," Dhakad revealed, identifying the victims as Pintu from Sikar, Dilip and Bahadur from Jaipur, and Shrinath, Rukmini, and Khurma from Bharatpur.

In a miraculous effort, 14 other patients from an adjacent ICU were evacuated safely, crediting the quick actions of hospital staff and firefighters who battled the inferno for nearly two hours.

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Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of sheer pandemonium: patients' beds were hastily wheeled out into the night, while flames licked at vital equipment, destroying documents, ICU monitors, and medical supplies worth lakhs. Vikas, a brave ward boy on duty, recounted the chaos to PTI: "We were in the operating theatre when the alarms blared. My team and I rushed in, saving at least three to four patients before the smoke became impenetrable. It was terrifying—we did everything we could, but the fire spread so fast." Firefighters, arriving promptly, had to shatter a window to gain access and douse the flames, preventing further casualties.

Amid the heroism, however, fury erupted from anguished relatives who stormed the hospital gates, protesting vehemently against alleged staff negligence. "We spotted smoke early and screamed for help, but the staff ignored us and bolted first!" one attendant wailed, her voice cracking with rage. Families accused the team of fleeing the scene without aiding evacuations or providing updates on their loved ones' conditions, leaving them in agonizing limbo. "Where are our patients? No one tells us anything—it's inhuman!" another relative shouted, as tensions boiled over into a heated confrontation. These allegations have sparked demands for a thorough probe, with opposition leaders vowing to raise the issue in the state assembly.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, flanked by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, rushed to the site to assess the damage and console the families. Sharma assured comprehensive medical care for the injured and ordered an immediate inquiry into the fire's cause and response lapses. "The state stands with every affected family; justice will be swift," he pledged, echoing PM Modi's sentiments on recovery and support.

This devastating event marks yet another blow to public healthcare infrastructure, coming on the heels of similar tragedies that have exposed vulnerabilities in fire safety protocols. As investigations unfold, PM Modi's heartfelt condolences serve as a beacon of hope, reminding the nation of the human cost behind such disasters and the urgent need for systemic reforms. The victims' families, now grappling with unimaginable loss, await not just answers but actionable change to prevent future heartbreaks. In Modi's own words, the focus remains on healing: may the survivors mend quickly, and may Rajasthan's resilient spirit rise from these ashes.

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