Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh): A devastating fire broke out at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi on Friday evening, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 infants. Officials suspect the fire was caused by a short circuit in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
At the time of the incident, there were 54 infants in the NICU. Emergency response teams have been working to rescue those trapped inside. Chief Medical Superintendent Sachin Mahor reported that the fire originated from an oxygen concentrator, leading to rapid spread due to the highly oxygenated environment. While 37 infants were successfully rescued, 10 tragically lost their lives, and others are receiving medical treatment for injuries.
Witnesses described medical staff evacuating patients by breaking windows amid heavy smoke before the fire brigade arrived. The fire began around 10:35 p.m., and officials confirmed it started in one of the two units of the NICU. A committee has been established to investigate the cause of the fire.
According to Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, six fire engines were deployed to the scene, and the fire has since been brought under control. Senior officials from the fire brigade and police are overseeing the situation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded to the incident, directing local authorities to expedite relief efforts. He has dispatched Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Principal Health Secretary Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma to Jhansi to oversee the situation. In a message on X, CM Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, calling the incident “extremely sad and heartbreaking,” and prayed for the souls of the departed and a swift recovery for the injured.
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak echoed these sentiments, expressing his sorrow over the loss of life and emphasizing the need for immediate action in the relief and rescue operations.