Jhansi hospital fire: Blaze kills 10 infants. See pics

A mssive fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi at 10.30pm on Friday, resulting in the deaths of 10 newborns.

Authorities believe the oxygen concentrator acted as a catalyst for the fire’s rapid spread. The ward attendant’s initial attempts to control the flames proved futile. Critically ill newborns housed in the interior section of the ward faced the worst impact.

Of the ten deceased infants, seven have been identified, including children of parents from Hamirpur, Lalitpur, and Jhansi. Three infants remain unidentified, and authorities plan to conduct DNA testing to establish their identities if needed.

Firefighters and army personnel broke windows to rescue trapped occupants. Allegations have emerged about insufficient and expired fire-fighting equipment in the ward, raising concerns over safety protocols at the medical college.

Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak confirmed ongoing treatment for 16 children and the transfer of others to private and district hospitals. CM Yogi Adityanath announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the deceased’s families and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Pandemonium unfolded as distraught families frantically sought their babies. The ward, with a single entry and exit point, made evacuation difficult. Mothers and staff made desperate attempts to rescue infants as fire services and army personnel rushed to contain the blaze.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, while political leaders, including BSP’s Mayawati and SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, demanded accountability. The tragedy has sparked a call for stringent safety measures in medical institutions.