A devastating fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has claimed the lives of 10 newborns, while 16 others are battling for survival. The incident, which occurred around 10:45 PM on Friday, is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.

Tragedy Unfolds in NICU

The fire broke out in the NICU, where critically ill newborns were being treated. District Magistrate Avinash Kumar stated that while some children in the outer section of the NICU were rescued, others in the interior section could not be saved. Chaos ensued as panic-stricken parents and caretakers evacuated their loved ones, aided by police and hospital staff.

Visuals from the scene showed a grim reality, with rescue efforts in full swing. The injured children are receiving medical attention, and all available doctors and resources have been mobilized to ensure their treatment, according to SSP Sudha Singh.

CM and Deputy CM Respond to Tragedy

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief over the tragedy, terming it "heartbreaking." In a statement issued in Lucknow, he directed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured and instructed the Divisional Commissioner and DIG to submit a detailed report on the incident within 12 hours.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, echoed the sorrow of the state. "This incident is extremely tragic. Fire safety audits were conducted in February, and a mock drill was held in June. A detailed investigation will determine how and why this happened," he said. Pathak confirmed that financial assistance would be extended to the affected families.

Investigation Underway

Preliminary findings suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit. ADG Zone Kanpur, Alok Singh, confirmed that 47 infants were in the NICU at the time of the fire, and the deceased were in incubators. Authorities are working diligently to uncover any lapses in safety protocols.

A Grieving Community

The incident has left the community in shock. Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in Bundelkhand, started its services in 1968 and serves a vast population. The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the importance of fire safety measures in healthcare facilities.

Condolences and Call to Action

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered his prayers for the departed souls and the recovery of the injured. The government has assured stringent action based on the investigation findings, aiming to prevent such a tragedy in the future.

This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical need for rigorous safety standards in hospitals, particularly in high-risk areas like neonatal wards. As the state mourns the loss, the focus now shifts to accountability and systemic reforms to protect vulnerable lives.