Sat Nov 16 16:48:47 UTC 2024: **Ten Infants Dead in Jhansi Hospital Fire; Cover-Up Alleged**
JHANSI, INDIA – A devastating fire ripped through the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi late Friday night, resulting in the death of ten infants. Seven bodies have been released to families after post-mortem examinations, while three remain unidentified.
The fire, reportedly sparked by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, quickly engulfed the ward. A ward boy’s attempt to extinguish the blaze with a fire extinguisher proved futile as the equipment had expired four years prior. While 39 infants were rescued by breaking windows, the rapid spread of the fire led to the tragic loss of life. The army was called in to assist firefighters in bringing the blaze under control after approximately two hours.
Eyewitnesses, including a young man who rescued several infants, claim doctors fled the scene as the fire broke out, and he has received threats from hospital administration for speaking to the media. Videos have emerged showing chaos at the hospital alongside efforts to clean and lime the road before the arrival of Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. Following public outcry, Pathak ordered an investigation into the road cleaning.
The Jhansi district administration released photos of the ten deceased infants, contradicting earlier reports suggesting a higher death toll. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a high-level inquiry, demanding a report within 12 hours from the commissioner and DIG. Deputy CM Pathak announced three investigations—one each by the health department, the police, and a magistrate—promising strict action against those found responsible for any negligence.
First Piper 