Sat Nov 16 00:53:39 IST 2024: **Jhansi Hospital Fire Kills at Least 10 Children**
JHANSI, Uttar Pradesh — A devastating fire ripped through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, late Friday night, claiming the lives of at least 10 children. The incident, which occurred around 10:45 p.m., is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
District Magistrate Avinash Kumar reported that while some children in the outer sections of the NICU were rescued, the death toll may unfortunately rise. Firefighters and senior district officials responded swiftly to the scene, assisting in evacuations amidst scenes of panic. Visuals circulating online show patients and their families being evacuated with the aid of police personnel.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a thorough investigation, demanding a report within 12 hours from the Jhansi divisional commissioner and the deputy inspector general of police. He has also directed that injured children receive immediate and proper medical care. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, and the Principal Secretary of Health have been dispatched to Jhansi to oversee the situation. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured.
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