Jhansi: A devastating fire at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 10 newborns due to burns and suffocation. The fire broke out in a ward grossly overcrowded, housing 49 infants in a space designed for only 18 on Friday night, and has sparked widespread outrage and a major investigation.
Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, who visited the site on Saturday morning, said that 49 infants were in the NICU at the time of the fire, despite the ward’s capacity being only 18 beds. While seven of the deceased infants have been identified, efforts are ongoing to determine the identities of the remaining three. Meanwhile, 17 other children are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident, with seven being treated in private hospitals.
Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit, which filled the ward with thick smoke. Eyewitness accounts suggest that a cylinder explosion may have occurred shortly after the fire ignited, and alarm systems failed to alert staff or patients. The oxygen-rich environment of the NICU exacerbated the situation, causing the flames to spread rapidly.
Jhansi’s Commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey stated that around 30 infants were located in the inner section of the NICU and most were successfully rescued. However, the loss of life has left families devastated. A couple from the nearby Mahoba district mourned the death of their newborn, who was born just days earlier on November 13. The mother expressed her heartbreak, saying, “My child died in the fire.”
यूपी के झांसी मेडिकल कॉलेज के चिल्ड्रन वॉर्ड में लगी आग, 10 बच्चों की मौत#UttarPradesh #Jhansi #Fire #JhansiMedicalCollege #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/62yyodoApW
— TV9 Bharatvarsh (@TV9Bharatvarsh) November 15, 2024
Meanwhile, the administration has launched a helpline for families seeking information about the Jhansi Medical College fire. Relatives can contact 9454417618 for updates.
Deputy CM announced that three investigations will be conducted into the incident, one by the Health Department, another by the police, and a third by the magistrate. He emphasised that strict action would be taken if any lapses are found.
Pathak explained that after the fire broke out, a ward boy attempted to open the fire-fighting cylinders, but the oxygen led to a rapid flare-up. Staff and family members worked together to rescue the children.
Despite a fire safety audit and mock drill held earlier this year, Pathak stated that the exact cause of the incident would only be clear once the inquiry report is completed.
The administration has announced financial compensation for the victims. Families of the deceased will receive Rs 5 lakh, while those with serious injuries will receive Rs 50,000 in immediate assistance.
In response to this tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an investigation into the incident, instructing local authorities to submit a report within 12 hours. Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh confirmed that rescue operations were completed early Saturday morning and that approximately 37 infants were successfully evacuated from the ward.
Visuals from the scene depicted a chaotic evacuation as patients and caregivers rushed to safety, aided by police and emergency personnel. Fire engines were deployed swiftly, and even military assistance was called in to help combat the blaze.
