At least 10 newborns lost their lives in fire that broke out at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi district late on Friday night. Sixteen others sustained critical injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The NICU ward reportedly housed 54 infants at the time of the incident. BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha described the event as “a very sad and unfortunate incident,” adding, “Around 35 newborns were rescued, and doctors are providing the best possible care to the injured. The government is in touch with the medical college to monitor the situation closely.”
The fire broke out around 10:45 pm, with initial investigations pointing to a short circuit as the likely cause. According to Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the blaze affected both the inner and outer sections of the NICU. “Prima facie, there is information of the death of 10 children,” Kumar confirmed.
Rescue efforts successfully evacuated many infants, though the tragedy highlights the vulnerabilities within critical healthcare facilities.
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak promised accountability and support for affected families.
“The deaths of the newborns are deeply unfortunate,” Pathak said. “The government has launched a three-tier investigation involving the health department, police and fire services, alongside a magisterial probe. Any lapses found will result in strict action against those responsible.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and announced financial aid for the victims’ families. The parents of the deceased will receive Rs 5 lakh each, while Rs 50,000 will be given to the families of injured infants from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Adityanath has directed a detailed report on the incident within 12 hours, emphasising the need for rapid relief and rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heart-wrenching” and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. “My deepest sympathies are with those who lost their innocent children in this fire. I pray for the injured and their families to find strength in this difficult time,” he said.
Modi has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased family and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party criticised the government, alleging negligence by hospital authorities. “The fire is reportedly linked to a faulty oxygen concentrator, which indicates poor-quality equipment and mismanagement,” Yadav said. He urged the government to prioritise healthcare reforms over election campaigning.
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