Jhansi Hospital Fire: A devastating fire broke out at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, late last night, claiming the lives of 10 newborns and leaving 16 critically injured. The blaze erupted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) around 10:45 PM, reportedly caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, according to Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
At the time of the fire, 54 children were admitted to the NICU. Emergency response teams rescued 44 newborns, but tragically, 10 infants succumbed to the fire. Seven of the deceased have been identified, with DNA tests planned for the remaining three.
थाना नवाबाद क्षेत्रान्तर्गत मेडिकल कॉलेज के NICU वार्ड में आग लगने की सूचना पर पुलिस द्वारा तत्काल मौके पर पहुँचकर फायर ब्रिगेड की मदद से आग को बुझा दिया गया है।प्रथम दृष्टया आग में 10 बच्चों की मृत्यु होने की सूचना है।अग्रिम कार्यवाही की जा रही है।इस संबंध में डीएम झाँसी की बाइट pic.twitter.com/sFHZCPJaNO
— Jhansi Police (@jhansipolice) November 15, 2024
The injured children are receiving treatment in local hospitals, with all medical resources mobilized to save their lives. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh assured that doctors and medical facilities are available round the clock for the victims.
Scenes of Panic and Alleged Negligence
Visuals from the hospital revealed harrowing scenes of panic-stricken families outside and charred medical equipment inside the NICU. Survivors and witnesses have alleged that the hospital’s fire alarms failed to activate during the incident, raising concerns about maintenance lapses in emergency systems.
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A grieving mother recounted the anguish of losing her child, saying she could not locate her baby after the fire and later learned of the infant’s death.
Government Action and Investigation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an immediate rescue operation and announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured. He directed senior officials to submit a detailed report within 12 hours and launched a three-tier investigation involving the health department, police, and a magisterial inquiry.
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak revealed that the hospital underwent a fire safety audit in February and a mock fire drill in June, emphasizing the need for the investigation to uncover why safety measures failed.
National Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences, with PM Modi announcing Rs 2 lakh financial assistance for each victim’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
President Murmu called the tragedy “heartbreaking” and prayed for the strength of the bereaved families and the recovery of injured children. PM Modi echoed her sentiments, commending the efforts of local and state authorities in the relief operations.
Opposition Criticism
The opposition has accused the hospital administration of negligence. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded stringent action against those responsible for the lapses that led to the tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the adequacy of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in hospitals across Uttar Pradesh.
