Sat Nov 16 20:58:07 UTC 2024: ## Ten Newborns Die in Jhansi Hospital Fire; Multi-Level Probe Ordered

**Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh –** A devastating fire at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi on Friday night claimed the lives of ten newborns. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted a multi-pronged investigation ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The state government has launched a three-tiered probe: a magisterial inquiry, an expert panel investigation headed by the director general of medical education, and a local-level investigation by the divisional commissioner and deputy inspector general of police. The expert panel will submit its report within seven days, focusing on the fire’s cause, any negligence, and recommendations for preventing future incidents.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and directed authorities to expedite relief efforts. He announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) for the families of each deceased infant and ₹50,000 (approximately $600 USD) for injured babies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced compensation of ₹2 lakh (approximately $2,400 USD) per family.

While most of the 54 babies in the NICU were rescued within 20 minutes, three bodies remain unidentified, prompting DNA testing. Health officials are working to locate the families. The 25 surviving infants are receiving treatment, with four in private hospitals, none suffering from burn injuries. The government will cover all treatment costs.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak asserted that the investigation will be thorough and that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible. He dismissed reports of expired fire extinguishers, stating that a fire safety audit was conducted in February and a mock drill in June. The medical college principal echoed this statement.

Chief Minister Adityanath, while attributing the fire to a short circuit at an election rally, emphasized the immediate rescue efforts undertaken throughout the night. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her grief over the tragedy. The investigation will determine the exact cause of the fire and whether negligence played a role in this tragic loss of life.

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