Tragedy Strikes Jhansi Hospital: 10 Newborns Dead, 16 Critical After NICU Fire
A devastating fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 10 newborns and left 16 others battling for survival. The fire broke out late Thursday night around 10:45 pm, reportedly due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, confirmed Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.
District Magistrate Avinash Kumar revealed that 54 children were in the NICU at the time of the incident. Quick action by hospital staff and emergency responders resulted in the rescue of 44 babies. Seven of the deceased have been identified, while DNA tests may be required to confirm the identities of the remaining victims.
The state government has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those seriously injured.
Heartbreaking Scenes and Allegations
Images from the site show distressed families and charred medical equipment. A grieving mother shared her anguish, stating she was initially unable to locate her child and later informed of the tragic loss.
Concerns about the hospital’s fire safety systems have surfaced, with allegations that fire alarms failed to function. Sources point to inadequate maintenance of emergency systems despite a fire safety audit conducted in February and a mock drill in June.
Deputy CM Pathak assured that a thorough investigation is underway. “Three levels of inquiry—by the health department, police, and a magistrate—will determine the cause and accountability,” he stated.
Swift Action and Condolences
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered rescue operations to continue at full pace and ensured sufficient deployment of fire-fighting resources. He directed senior officials to submit a detailed report within 12 hours.
Expressing deep sorrow, President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as “heartbreaking” and offered prayers for the victims’ families and the injured children. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed condolences and announced ₹2 lakh for the victims’ families and ₹50,000 for the injured through the PM’s National Relief Fund.
Political Reactions
The opposition has criticized the hospital administration, alleging negligence. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has called for strict action against those responsible for the tragedy.
The fire has cast a grim spotlight on hospital safety protocols, prompting calls for urgent reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
