Sun Nov 17 14:28:49 UTC 2024: **Jhansi Hospital Fire Death Toll Rises to 11; Investigation Committee Changed**
JHANSI, INDIA – The death toll from a devastating fire at the Maharani Lakshmibai Government Medical College in Jhansi has risen to eleven. A newborn rescued from the fire in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) succumbed to its injuries, although the District Magistrate, Avinash Kumar, attributed the death to illness, not burns.
The fire, which broke out around 10:30 PM on Friday, was allegedly caused by a spark from an oxygen concentrator. An expired fire extinguisher hindered initial efforts to control the blaze. Ten infants perished in the immediate aftermath, with post-mortem examinations revealing over 80% burn injuries. DNA samples have been collected. While seven of the eight initially missing infants have been found, one remains unaccounted for.
The initial investigation, initially assigned to Jhansi’s Divisional Commissioner Vimal Kumar Dubey, has been unexpectedly transferred to the Director General of Medical and Health, Kinjal Singh. The reason for this change remains unexplained by the government. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak ordered a three-tiered investigation to determine responsibility for the tragedy. The report, initially expected within 12 hours, will now be delayed pending the conclusion of the revised investigation. Thirty-nine infants were rescued from the burning ward.
First Piper 