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, has left the nation in mourning. The tragic incident, which unfolded late Thursday night, claimed the lives of 10 newborns, with 16 others in critical condition. The fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, confirmed by Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.
The Immediate Aftermath
The NICU, which was housing 54 children at the time of the fire, quickly became a scene of chaos and devastation. In a race against time, hospital staff and emergency responders managed to rescue 44 babies from the burning unit. While seven of the deceased have been identified, authorities are considering DNA tests to confirm the identities of the remaining victims.
District Magistrate Avinash Kumar emphasized the rapid response, yet the loss of innocent lives has left a community shattered. “We are doing everything we can to identify the remaining victims and provide assistance to the families,” he said.
Government Response and Financial Assistance
The state government, in a move to support the grieving families, has announced a financial package of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for those seriously injured. Additionally, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered continuous rescue operations and is ensuring that fire-fighting resources are available on site.
Heartbreaking Scenes and Allegations of Negligence
Images from the site have revealed heartbreaking scenes: grieving parents searching for their babies, charred remains of medical equipment, and a sense of utter devastation. One mother recounted the horror of initially being unable to find her child, only to later learn of their tragic loss.
In the aftermath, questions have been raised about the hospital’s fire safety measures. Sources have claimed that fire alarms failed to activate, and there are allegations that emergency systems had not been properly maintained, despite a fire safety audit conducted in February and a mock drill held in June.
Thorough Investigations and Accountability
Deputy CM Pathak assured the public that three separate inquiries are underway to determine the cause of the fire and the level of accountability within the hospital’s administration. These investigations will involve the health department, the police, and a magistrate to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for the tragedy.
Nationwide Condolences
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow across the country. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her heartfelt condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and offering prayers for the victims’ families and the injured children. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his grief, announcing ₹2 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured through the PM’s National Relief Fund.
Political Reactions and Calls for Reform
The opposition parties have not been silent, with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav calling for stringent action against the responsible authorities. The tragic fire has cast a harsh light on the shortcomings of hospital safety protocols, and political leaders are demanding urgent reforms to ensure that such incidents never occur again.
This incident highlights the critical need for better regulation and infrastructure in healthcare facilities, particularly in units that care for the most vulnerable. As investigations continue and families mourn their unimaginable loss, the call for urgent reforms to protect newborns and other patients in hospitals has never been louder.
