Sat Nov 16 10:56:56 UTC 2024: ## Jhansi Hospital Fire Kills 10 Newborns; VIP Visit Sparks Outrage

**Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, November 16, 2024** – A devastating fire at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Jhansi claimed the lives of 10 newborns late last night. The fire, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out around 10:45 pm in the unit housing 54 infants. While 44 infants were rescued, the tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

The incident has been further compounded by the controversy surrounding the upcoming visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. Videos circulating on social media show hospital grounds being hastily cleaned and lime being spread on roads prior to his arrival. This has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, who accuse the ruling BJP government of insensitivity.

“Look at the insensitivity of the BJP government. On one hand, children were burnt to death, their families were crying and wailing. On the other hand, lime was being sprayed on the road to welcome the Deputy Chief Minister,” stated a Congress post on X, highlighting the perceived contrast between the efforts to prepare for the VIP visit and the grief of the bereaved families. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed these sentiments.

Deputy Chief Minister Pathak, who oversees the state’s health portfolio, expressed dismay at the actions taken in his name, stating, “I do not accept this and condemn it. I request the district authorities to take strict action against those responsible.”

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh per bereaved family, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared Rs 5 lakh per family and Rs 50,000 for the injured. A three-tier investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire and hold those responsible accountable. Mr. Pathak met with grieving families and pledged strict action against any negligence. He also noted that a fire safety audit was conducted in February and a mock drill in June. Despite this, the tragedy has exposed serious lapses in hospital safety protocols. The state government insists that all firefighting equipment was functional.

Read More