Jhansi Hospital Fire: NICU Tragedy Claims 10 Infants

Short Circuit Suspected in Jhansi Hospital Fire That Claimed 10 Infants’ Lives

Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh—A devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College on Friday night, claiming the lives of 10 newborns and leaving 16 others critically injured. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the nation, with grieving families and a community demanding answers.

Preliminary Cause: Short Circuit Suspected

According to Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire erupted around 10:45 PM in the NICU, where 54 infants were being treated—three times its intended capacity. Initial reports suggest an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the blaze. “Prima facie, there is information of the death of 10 children,” Kumar stated, adding that efforts are underway to ascertain the exact cause.

The fire spread rapidly, forcing medical staff to evacuate children from both the inner and outer sections of the NICU. Despite their efforts, 10 infants tragically lost their lives, with others suffering severe injuries from smoke inhalation and burns.

Government’s Response and Compensation

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a multi-tier investigation to identify lapses in safety protocols and determine accountability. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the incident as "heartbreaking" and assured strict action against those responsible. “The government stands with the bereaved families. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice,” Pathak said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also directed district officials to ensure the injured infants receive the best possible treatment.

National Outcry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "heart-wrenching," extending his condolences to the grieving families. “The local administration is making every effort for relief and rescue under the state government’s supervision,” he said.

Opposition leaders have criticized the government for what they termed as negligence in maintaining hospital safety standards. Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party, alleged that the incident was a direct result of poor medical management and substandard equipment, calling for punitive action against those responsible.

Call for Accountability

The tragedy has reignited debates about hospital safety in India, with calls for stricter adherence to fire safety norms in critical care units. As investigations continue, families of the victims demand accountability and immediate reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for rigorous safety protocols in healthcare institutions, particularly in units catering to vulnerable patients.