Sun Nov 17 16:09:24 UTC 2024: **Jhansi Hospital Fire Death Toll Rises to 11; Premature Infant Succumbs**
JHANSI, Uttar Pradesh, November 17, 2024 – The death toll from Friday’s fire at the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi has risen to 11. A premature infant, rescued from the blaze but already weak and born at only seven months, passed away Sunday morning, according to hospital principal Dr. N.S. Sengar. The infant, whose father is Bhola Singh of Banda district, weighed just 1.5 kilograms at birth and had been receiving treatment at the hospital for a month.
The fire, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, claimed the lives of 10 newborns initially. Sixteen other babies sustained injuries, while 37 were rescued safely. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and state police chief, demanding an explanation for the incident. The incident has sparked outrage from the opposition, who have criticized the state government’s response.
First Piper 