NEW DELHI: A devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi on the night of Friday, November 15, resulting in the tragic loss of 10 newborns’ lives. Several others were injured in the incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the safety protocols at the medical facility.
According to initial reports, the fire began around 10:30 PM in the NICU, which was housing several premature and critically ill infants. The swift spread of flames left little time for medical staff and caretakers to evacuate the infants safely. Firefighters arrived at the scene promptly and managed to control the blaze after several hours, but the damage had already been done.
ALSO READ: Controversy erupts over treatment of Indian cricketers by Pakistani fans
“The NICU, which was located on the first floor, had 12 newborns under intensive care at the time of the incident. Sadly, 10 of them could not be saved,” said an official from the fire department. The remaining two infants have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Early assessments also suggest that the medical college lacked adequate fire safety measures, particularly in the critical care areas. The hospital’s administration has promised a thorough inquiry into the incident, and local authorities are calling for stricter regulations on fire safety in medical institutions.
ALSO READ: Elon Musk urges end to ‘censorship, advertising boycott cartel’
The tragedy has left the families of the deceased newborns in shock and mourning, while also raising questions about the overall safety standards in government-run hospitals. Many have called for swift action and accountability to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.
The incident has also prompted a wave of solidarity from across the region, with locals and medical professionals offering their condolences and support to the affected families.
This fire tragedy has added to a growing list of concerns regarding hospital safety in India, underlining the need for improved infrastructure and regulatory oversight in healthcare facilities.