Jhansi Medical College fire tragedy: High-level probe ordered, compensation announced after 10 infants die

Jhansi Medical College Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire broke out around 10:45 pm on Friday in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, possibly due to an electrical short circuit. At least 10 infants lost their lives, and 16 others are critically injured, battling for life.

High-Level Probe Ordered: The Yogi Adityanath government has ordered a high-level probe into the incident, with the report expected within 24 hours. The fire caused panic and chaos as patients and caretakers were evacuated, with police personnel aiding in rescue and relief operations.

Compensation Announced: The Uttar Pradesh government announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the parents of the deceased. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak visited the site on Saturday morning and confirmed the investigation would address the cause of the fire, suspected to be a short circuit inside an oxygen concentrator. A helpline number will be established for families of the missing newborns.

Officials' Response: District Magistrate Avinash Kumar confirmed the fire broke out in the NICU, affecting the more critical patients in the interior section. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and instructed the district administration to ensure proper treatment for the injured. He directed officials to submit a detailed report within 12 hours.

Relief Efforts: SSP Sudha Singh reported that all available doctors and medical facilities are being utilized to save the lives of the injured infants. The state-run medical college, one of the largest government hospitals in the Bundelkhand region, began its services in 1968.

This tragedy has left the community in mourning, and the government is committed to finding the cause and preventing such incidents in the future.