10 Newborns Dead in UP Hospital Fire, 16 Others Rescued and Under Treatment
A tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claims the lives of 10 newborns, while 16 others are battling for their lives. Rescue operations continue as authorities investigate the cause of the fire.
Hospital Fire
At least 16 children are fighting for their lives, while 10 newborns have tragically died following a fire that broke out last night at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The fire, which occurred around 10:45 pm, is believed to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, according to Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.
At the time of the fire, 54 children were admitted to the NICU, and officials managed to rescue 44 newborns. Seven of the 10 deceased have been identified, and DNA tests will be conducted to identify the remaining victims, an official confirmed.
In response to the tragedy, the government has announced financial aid for the families of the victims. Disturbing visuals from the scene showed panic-stricken patients and their relatives outside the hospital, with several charred medical items visible inside. One woman who lost her child said that she could not find her baby after the incident and was later informed of the child's death.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh confirmed this morning that 16 children who suffered injuries are being treated at local hospitals, with medical teams working round the clock to save them.
It has been alleged that the fire alarms at the hospital did not work, with reports pointing to a lack of maintenance of emergency systems. Pathak, who also oversees health affairs, stated that while a fire safety audit was conducted in February and a mock fire drill took place in June, a full investigation will follow. He confirmed that three separate inquiries—by the health department, police, and a magisterial inquiry—will be launched into the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed senior officials and doctors to expedite rescue operations and ensure that adequate firefighting resources were deployed. Financial assistance of ₹5 lakh will be provided to the families of the victims, with ₹50,000 being given to those who suffered serious injuries.
The Chief Minister has also instructed the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jhansi to submit a detailed report within 12 hours.
Both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed their grief over the incident. President Murmu described the deaths of the newborns as "extremely heartbreaking" and offered her condolences to the bereaved families. PM Modi also called the tragedy "heartbreaking," expressing his deepest condolences and wishing strength to the grieving families.
Opposition leaders in Uttar Pradesh have alleged negligence on the part of the hospital administration. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has demanded accountability and action against those responsible.
