Sun Nov 17 00:48:55 IST 2024: ## Jhansi Hospital Fire Kills 10 Infants, Sparking Outrage and Chaos

**Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India –** A devastating fire at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi claimed the lives of at least 10 infants on November 16, 2024. The incident unfolded during the evening, leaving 16 other infants critically injured and one still missing.

The fire broke out rapidly, fueled by the high oxygen concentration necessary for the infants’ respiration, according to witnesses. Heroic efforts by staff, including nurses and doctors, along with visitors like Kripal Singh, who saved his grandchild, resulted in the rescue of approximately 20 babies. Singh described the scene as chaotic, with nurses screaming and running as they attempted to evacuate the infants. Dr. Amit Singh and Dr. Ahmad Faraz Shamsi, who also participated in the rescue, corroborated the rapid spread of the fire and its intensity.

Parents faced harrowing scenes, with many witnessing their children being carried out with burns. Sanjana Devi, an aunt of an injured child, described seeing numerous burnt infants being brought outside. The reunification process proved challenging and emotionally devastating. Kuldeep Singh’s 15-day-old son was initially missing, but later identified by his mother thanks to a distinctive birthmark. The identification of the deceased also proved difficult; all 10 bodies were identified only after post-mortem examinations and some parents had to wait until late evening. DNA samples were collected for additional verification, if necessary.

The incident sparked outrage amongst families, who staged protests demanding DNA tests for all surviving infants to ensure proper identification. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, confirmed that all deceased children had been identified and handed over to their families. The missing child is suspected to have been taken home by family prior to the fire.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety protocols at the government-run medical college. An investigation is expected to be launched to determine the cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety measures.

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