A devastating fire tore through the neonatal intensive care unit of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, killing 10 newborns and injuring 17 others late Friday night.
The blaze, which began around 10:30 pm local time, engulfed the ward housing 49 infants. Emergency responders managed to rescue 38 babies from the flames, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed on Saturday.
The infants who died succumbed to burns and suffocation, with seven of the victims identified while efforts continue to identify the remaining three.
Authorities suspect a faulty oxygen concentrator or an electrical short circuit caused the fire, though investigations are ongoing. Witnesses and parents claimed that the hospital’s fire alarm system failed to activate, delaying evacuation efforts.
“If the safety alarm had worked, we could have acted sooner and saved more lives,” said Naresh Kumar, a grieving parent.
Footage from the scene showed charred hospital beds and walls as anguished families gathered outside. Rescuers had to break windows to access the smoke-filled ward.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heart-wrenching,” expressing condolences to the bereaved families. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of $5,900 for each affected family.
This tragedy has raised concerns over hospital safety standards in India, where poor maintenance and inadequate fire safety measures are common. Six months earlier, a similar fire at a children’s hospital in New Delhi claimed seven lives.
Deputy CM Pathak promised strict action against those found responsible. “A thorough safety audit was conducted in February, followed by a fire drill in May. If lapses are confirmed, no one will be spared,” he stated.
One baby remains missing, and rescue teams are continuing their search. Meanwhile, parents and safety advocates are calling for immediate reforms to prevent further tragedies.
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