Sat Nov 16 14:43:12 UTC 2024: **Jhansi Hospital Fire Kills 10 Infants, Sparks Outrage and Investigations**

Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh – A devastating fire at the Rani Lakshmibai Medical College hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of at least 10 infants late Friday night. The blaze, which engulfed the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), injured more than 16 others. Around 49 infants were in the ward at the time of the incident; 37 were rescued.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as parents desperately tried to save their children. One father, identified only as Kripal, recounted entering the burning ward to find nurses and beds ablaze. He managed to rescue 20 babies, but his own newborn’s fate remains unknown. Another distraught parent, Kuldeep, described the harrowing experience of witnessing the fire erupt while waiting for his 10-day-old son to be fed, managing to save three babies but losing sight of his own child.

Initial reports suggest a short circuit may have been the cause, though conflicting reports emerged later, alleging a nurse ignited a match near oxygen cylinders, causing a rapid spread of fire. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of functioning fire alarms and expired fire extinguishers. Following the incident, Lucknow’s fire department issued notices to 80 hospitals for substandard fire safety measures.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow and ordered a three-tiered investigation into the tragedy, with instructions for a report within 12 hours. He also announced a magisterial inquiry and compensation of ₹500,000 for each deceased infant’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and announced compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the scene, assuring that those responsible would face stringent punishment and that injured children would receive world-class medical care. He also criticized the placing of lime on the roads ahead of his arrival. Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government for its negligence, calling for a thorough investigation and higher compensation for the victims’ families. Similar concerns over fire safety were also raised regarding other hospitals in the state, including the Raebareli District Hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

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