At least 10 newborns dead, 16 injured in hospital fire in Jhansi

A fire at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi late Friday night killed 10 newborns and left 16 others in critical condition. The fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) around 10:45 PM, with 54 children admitted at the time. Officials confirmed the incident and launched multiple investigations into the cause.

The NICU experienced a rapid spread of a fire thought to have originated in an oxygen concentrator. Hospital staff and first responders rescued 44 newborns, though 10 children died. Seven victims have been identified, with DNA tests set to confirm the remaining three.

Parents of the injured infants have been protesting outside the hospital after being denied access to their children, creating further chaos this morning. Authorities stated the decision to restrict access was made to prevent confusion over the infants’ identities.

Senior officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh, assured the public that medical teams are doing everything to save the 16 injured infants. The victims are receiving care at local hospitals, with all necessary medical resources.

"We're doing everything we can to save the injured children," said SSP Sudha Singh. "Doctors are available and we're doing everything in our power."

Questions have been raised about the hospital’s safety measures. Eyewitnesses claim the fire alarms failed to activate, which could have saved more lives. Pathak confirmed the state government would thoroughly investigate the incident, with a probe by the health department, police, and a magisterial inquiry.

The Uttar Pradesh government dismissed accusations that the hospital lacked fire safety systems, stating a fire safety audit was carried out in February and a mock drill conducted in June.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a rescue operation and deployment of firefighting equipment. He announced financial assistance for the victims’ families: ₹5 lakh for the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed their grief over the incident. Modi announced compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the affected families, extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

"I pray for the strength of the parents to bear this loss," Modi said on social media. "The local administration is working tirelessly under the state government's supervision to provide relief and rescue efforts."

Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, criticized the hospital administration for alleged negligence, calling for accountability and strict action against those responsible. Party leader Akhilesh Yadav demanded immediate action, stating such incidents should never happen again.

As the investigation continues, authorities vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The incident raised concerns about safety measures at medical facilities, especially in neonatal care units. The investigation will uncover the fire's causes and evaluate the hospital's safety protocols.

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