At least 10 infants were killed after a massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh late November 15 evening, officials said.
According to hospital officials, there were 54 infants admitted to the NICU ward and several infants trapped have been rescued.
“There were 54 babies admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside the Oxygen concentrator, efforts to douse the fire were made but since the room was highly oxygenated, the fire spread quickly. Many babies were rescued. 10 babies have died, and injured babies are undergoing treatment,” said the Chief Medical Superintendent at Jhansi Medical College, Sachin Mahor.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and directed the district administration to expedite the relief work. In a post on X, CM Yogi also offered condolences to the families of the deceased infants.
“The death of children in an accident that occurred in the NICU of the medical college located in Jhansi district is extremely sad and heartbreaking. The district administration and concerned officials have been instructed to speed up the relief and rescue operations,” CM Yogi said.
जनपद झांसी स्थित मेडिकल कॉलेज के NICU में घटित एक दुर्घटना में हुई बच्चों की मृत्यु अत्यंत दुःखद एवं हृदयविदारक है।
जिला प्रशासन तथा संबंधित अधिकारियों को युद्ध स्तर पर राहत एवं बचाव कार्यों को संचालित कराने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्माओं…
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 15, 2024
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that a multi-level investigation will be conducted. Pathak assured strict action against whoever was responsible for the incident as he extended the state government’s support to the families of the deceased infants.
“If any lapses are found, those who would be responsible, strict action will be taken against them and no one will be spared. The govt is with the family members of the children,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said DNA tests, if required, will be conducted to identify three of the ten newborns who tragically lost their lives. Seven of the deceased have been identified, while several other infants sustained burn injuries in the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Pathak said, “Ten newborns have died, seven have been identified, and three are yet to be identified. If required, DNA tests will be conducted.”
President Droupadi Murmu, too, expressed her condolences, describing the tragedy as “heartbreaking.” In a post on X, she said, “The news of the death of several newborn babies in the accident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and families to bear this cruel blow. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured babies.”
(With inputs from ANI)
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