A devastating fire at the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 10 newborns late Friday night. Officials rescued 39 infants from the blaze, reportedly caused by a faulty oxygen machine.
The fire erupted at around 10:30 PM in the hospital’s neonatal unit, located 450 kilometers from New Delhi. Charred walls and beds bore testimony to the disaster as distressed families gathered outside the hospital.
One grieving mother cried, “My child has gone forever,” echoing the sorrow of other families.
Hospital Staff Rescue 39 Infants
Doctors and staff moved the surviving newborns to a separate ward. The hospital’s principal, Dr. Narendra Sengar, confirmed the safety of all rescued infants. “The 39 rescued babies are unscathed and receiving medical care,” Sengar said, countering earlier reports of critical injuries.
Sengar credited the swift action of hospital staff. “They risked their own lives to save the babies. They are true heroes,” he said.
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Faulty Oxygen Machine Suspected
Superintendent of Police Gyanendra Kumar Singh stated that the fire likely started in an oxygen-enriching machine. Authorities are investigating to confirm the exact cause of the blaze.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital on Saturday. He assured families of a thorough probe into the tragedy. “If negligence is found, strict action will follow. No one responsible will be spared,” he stated.
Pathak revealed that a safety audit of the hospital took place in February, followed by a fire drill in May. He emphasized that the investigation would examine whether safety protocols were neglected.
PM and CM React to Tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the incident. Calling it “heart-wrenching,” he extended condolences to the bereaved families in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of ₹500,000 ($5,900) for the families of the deceased. He also prayed for the souls of the departed and a quick recovery for any injured infants
The Jhansi fire comes just six months after a similar blaze at a New Delhi children’s hospital killed six newborns. Authorities had found that hospital lacked proper licensing and fire safety measures.