A devastating fire erupted late Friday evening at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the tragic death of at least 10 infants.
According to hospital officials, 54 newborns were admitted to the NICU at the time of the incident, and while several infants were rescued, the fire spread quickly due to the oxygenated environment in the room.
Chief Medical Superintendent of Jhansi Medical College, Sachin Mahor, confirmed the situation, saying, “There were 54 babies admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside the Oxygen concentrator. Efforts to douse the fire were made, but since the room was highly oxygenated, the fire spread rapidly. Many babies were rescued, but unfortunately, 10 babies have died, and the injured are receiving treatment.”
The cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit inside an oxygen concentrator, which sparked the blaze in the highly oxygenated NICU. Rescue operations are still ongoing as authorities work to contain the situation.
In response to the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the district administration to expedite relief efforts. “The death of children in an accident at the NICU of the medical college located in Jhansi district is extremely sad and heartbreaking. The district administration and concerned officials have been instructed to speed up the relief and rescue operations,” he said in a post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also on Saturday condoled the loss of lives in the fire. “Heartbreaking! The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss,” PM Modi was quoted as saying in a post in Hindi on X by the Prime Minister’s Office.
“The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is making every possible effort for relief and rescue,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” In a post on X, she said, “The news of the death of several newborn babies in the accident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and families to bear this cruel blow. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured babies.”
On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak addressed the media, stating that DNA tests would be conducted, if necessary, to identify the three infants who remain unaccounted for. “Ten newborns have died, seven have been identified, and three are yet to be identified. If required, DNA tests will be conducted,” Pathak said. He also confirmed that a multi-level investigation has been ordered to probe the incident.
Pathak assured that those found negligent in the tragedy would face strict action. “Probes at the administrative, police, fire department, and magisterial levels have been ordered. If any lapses are found, no one will be spared,” he said, adding that financial support would be provided to the families of the victims.
Authorities have launched multi-level investigations to determine the cause of the fire and assess accountability. Families of the victims await closure and answers.
(Inputs from agencies)