Sun Nov 17 13:15:29 UTC 2024: **Jhansi NICU Fire: Short Circuit Blamed for 10 Newborn Deaths; NHRC Demands Action**
JHANSI, Uttar Pradesh – A preliminary report into the tragic fire at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Rani Laxmibai Medical College, which claimed the lives of at least 10 newborns, attributes the blaze to a short circuit in the switchboard. The incident, which occurred on November 15th, rapidly escalated due to the presence of flammable plastic coverings on medical equipment, according to a two-member committee investigating the incident.
The report, led by Jhansi Commissioner Vipul Dubey and DIG Kalanidhi Naithani, found no evidence of criminal conspiracy or foul play. The fire, which started with sparks from the overloaded switchboard, spread quickly, despite attempts by staff to extinguish it using fire extinguishers. Firefighters arrived within eight minutes of the alarm. One nurse sustained burns in the effort.
The lack of sprinkler systems in the NICU, a common safety measure avoided due to the presence of infants, was noted by doctors as a potential contributing factor. The investigation will further examine whether excessive electrical load on the machines contributed to the short circuit.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern, issuing notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the state’s Director General of Police. The NHRC demands a detailed report within a week, including details on the FIR status, disciplinary action against responsible officials, medical treatment provided to the injured, compensation to the families of the deceased, and preventative measures to avoid similar tragedies. The commission highlights the incident as a grave human rights violation.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has established a four-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the need for stricter safety protocols in state-run hospitals.
First Piper 