Jaipur Hospital Fire, Oct. 6 -- A short circuit in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital triggered a devastating fire late on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of six patients and exposing significant safety lapses, according to relatives and witnesses.

Relatives of patients recounted harrowing scenes as smoke engulfed the ward, forcing patients and staff to flee in panic.

Puran Singh, whose relative was admitted to the ICU, said: "When there was a spark, there was a cylinder beside it. The smoke spread throughout the ICU, causing everyone to flee in panic. Some managed to rescue their own patients, but mine was left alone in the room. As the gas spread further, they shut the gates."

Narendra Singh,...