A devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, around 10:45 p.m. on Friday. The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 10 infants and left 16 others severely injured. Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit inside an oxygen concentrator.
Incident Overview
- Timing and Location: The fire occurred in the NICU, which housed over 50 infants at the time.
- Casualties: At least 10 infants lost their lives. Seven have been identified, and DNA tests may be conducted to identify the others.
- Rescue Efforts: Most infants in the NICU were rescued. Footage revealed chaotic scenes with police and medical staff assisting in evacuations amidst panic.
Reactions and Investigations
- Government Response:
- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief, describing the incident as “heartbreaking.”
- CM directed officials to submit a detailed report within 12 hours and ordered relief and rescue operations on a “war footing.”
- Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, overseeing health, visited the site at midnight and assured strict action against lapses.
- Local Administration:
- Divisional Commissioner and Jhansi DIG have been tasked with investigating the cause of the fire.
- District Magistrate confirmed initial findings pointing to a short circuit as the cause.
Victim Accounts and Response
- A couple from Mahoba district mourned the loss of their newborn, born on November 13. The mother expressed her grief to reporters.
Historical Context of the Medical College
Established in 1968, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College is one of the largest government hospitals in Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region, serving thousands annually.
Next Steps
Authorities are focused on:
- Investigating the cause of the fire and accountability.
- Providing support and relief to affected families.
- Ensuring the safety of hospital infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures in critical healthcare facilities.
