Sun Nov 17 13:15:31 UTC 2024: ## Jhansi Medical College Fire Kills 11 Infants; Short Circuit Blamed
**Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh:** The death toll from a devastating fire at Jhansi Medical College’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has risen to 11. The fire, which broke out Friday night, initially claimed the lives of 10 infants. Another infant succumbed to injuries on Sunday. Several more remain hospitalized in critical condition.
An investigation report submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributes the fire to a short circuit in the switchboard, classifying the incident as an electrical accident. The government, which had demanded a report within 12 hours, has ruled out any foul play.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav demanded action against those responsible and expressed condolences to the affected families, urging the state government to provide assistance and compensation.
The incident has also highlighted serious concerns about fire safety in government hospitals across Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government’s alleged negligence, questioning whether sufficient budget and safety measures were in place. Reports indicate that many hospitals in Lucknow lack adequate fire safety measures, and a fire brigade assessment has identified 80 hospitals operating without proper safety protocols. A similar lack of fire safety equipment was found in the NICU of Kushinagar Medical College and District Hospital, where only two fire extinguishers are available for a ward housing nearly double its capacity.
First Piper 