Several children dead after massive fire breaks out at Jhansi Hospital, rescue operations underway | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A massive fire broke out in the Neonatal Unit (SNCU) of Rani Lakshmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh late on Friday night, leading to the tragic death of 10 newborns due to burns and suffocation. The incident, which happened around 10.30pm, caused widespread panic among staff and families.
Officials, including the district magistrate and senior administrative authorities, rushed to the spot.
“A committee has been formed under the leadership of the Jhansi divisional commissioner to investigate the incident. She will submit a report to the CM,” said DM Jhansi Avinash Kumar.
Six fire brigade units and an army fire truck were deployed to extinguish the flames. So far, 37 babies have been safely rescued, while more than 50 are feared trapped. The department was filled with thick smoke, which further exacerbated rescue problems.
Initial reports suggest a cylinder explosion is the cause of the fire. As a precaution, the hospital’s electricity supply was disconnected. Shockingly, the security alarm was not activated, potentially delaying evacuation efforts.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took notice of the incident and ordered rescue operations and an inquiry. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and senior health officials are on their way to Jhansi. A team of specialists has also been dispatched from Kanpur.

The tragedy has left the Bundelkhand region in shock as the hospital is a major center for deliveries and neonatal care. Mourning families crowded the grounds as police forces were deployed to maintain order.