"Extremely unfortunate incident, CM ensured timely treatment": BJP Laxmikant Bhardwaj on Jaipur ICU fire

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 6 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Laxmikant Bhardwaj on Monday termed the fire at the ICU of SMS Hospital in Jaipur as "extremely unfortunate," expressing grief over the loss of several lives. He further praised Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma for his swift action in the aftermath of the incident.

Bhardwaj stated that CM Sharma reached the hospital at 2:30 AM, oversaw the situation, and ensured that timely treatment was provided to the critical patients. He also directed officials to arrange for the immediate transportation of the bodies of the deceased to their families.

Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj said, "This is an extremely unfortunate incident in which some people have lost their loved ones... The CM arrived at the hospital at 2:30 am and took cognisance of the situation and ensured that timely treatment was given to those who needed it the most. He instructed officials at midnight itself to ensure that the bodies of the deceased are sent to their homes..."

The fire broke out in the ICU of the trauma centre at SMS Hospital in Jaipur late on Sunday night, leading to the tragic loss of lives. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that six deaths had been reported.

Prima facie, the fire was caused by a short circuit; meanwhile, the forensics team is investigating to determine the cause, the Police Commissioner told ANI.

"Our FSL team's investigation will reveal the cause of the fire. At first glance, it appears to be a short circuit, but the final cause will only be determined after the FSL investigation. The death of six people has been confirmed," said Commissioner Joseph. He added that the bodies of the deceased had been moved to the mortuary, and post-mortem procedures would follow.

"The remaining have been shifted to another ward and are under treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to the mortuary. Once everything is done, the post-mortem of the bodies will be conducted," Commissioner Joseph added.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday demanded a high-level investigation into the incident.

In response to the tragedy, the Rajasthan government constituted a six-member committee to probe the matter. 

The committee will be chaired by Iqbal Khan, Commissioner of the Medical Department, and includes Mukesh Kumar Meena, Additional Director of Hospital Administration in Rajasthan Medical Education Society (RajMES), Chandan Singh Meena, Chief Engineer, RajMES; Ajay Mathur, Chief Engineer, Electrical in PWD; RK Jain, Additional Principal, SMS Medical College, and Chief Fire Officer, Jaipur Municipal Corporation. (ANI)