Uttar Pradesh: Fire At Jhansi Hospital Kills 10 Newborns, 16 Battling For Life

A devastating fire at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has left 16 children fighting for their lives, while 10 newborns tragically lost their lives.

The fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College at around 10.45 pm on Friday (15 November), said District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar, who confirmed the casualties.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit inside the oxygen concentrator.

At least 54 children were admitted to the NICU at that moment as officials swung into action and rescued 44 newborns.

Seven of the 10 victims have been identified, said an official, adding that DNA tests will be carried out if needed to identify the rest three.

Financial assistance has been announced by the government for the victims’ families.

Visuals showed scenes of panic, with patients and caretakers gathered outside the hospital, while charred medical equipment lay inside.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh said that 16 injured children are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

All doctors are available for them, along with adequate medical facilities, she said, NDTV reported.

Deputy CM Pathak, who oversees the health portfolio, said the fire safety audit of the hospital was carried out in February, followed by a mock fire drill in June.

"On how and why it happened, we can say something about it once the probe report comes," said Pathak.

He said there will be three levels of investigation into the fire - one each by the health department, the police, and a magisterial inquiry.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials and medical teams to carry out rescue efforts on a war footing and asked for the deployment of adequate fire-fighting vehicles.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 5 lakh as financial aid for the victims' families and Rs 50,000 for those with serious injuries.

The Chief Minister has also directed the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jhansi to submit a report within 12 hours.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

"The news of the death of several newborn babies in the accident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and families to bear this cruel blow. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured babies," said President Murmu.

PM Modi called the fire incident "heartbreaking".

"My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss. The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is making every possible effort for relief and rescue," said the Prime Minister.

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