Short circuit may have caused Jhansi hospital fire that claimed lives of 10 babies: what we know | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: At least 10 children have died in a fire that broke out at the children’s ward of a medical college in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district, officials said. Sixteen others were injured and are currently in critical condition.
About 54 babies were admitted to the NICU unit, according to hospital officials. “This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. 10 newborns died in the fire and around 35 newborns were rescued. Doctors are providing the best possible treatment to the injured newborns. The government is in touch with doctors from the medical college,” said BJP MLA Rajeev Singh. Parichha said.
Also read: Ten newborns were burnt in a fire at Jhansi government hospital
These are the most important developments so far
A short circuit could be the cause
Jhansi District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar informed reporters that the fire started at around 10.45 pm on Friday at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College. Officials said the cause of the fire was a short circuit.
Children in the outer section of the NICU, along with some from the inner section, were successfully rescued.
“Prima facie, there is information about the death of 10 children,” the DM said.
UP government orders probe
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced that a multi-level investigation will be conducted into the Medical College fire.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, UP deputy CM Brajesh Pathak promised strict action against those responsible and assured the state government’s support to the families of the deceased babies.
“The death of the newborns is very unfortunate. Together with the family members we try to identify the bodies of newborns. The first survey will be done at the administrative level, which will be done by the health department, the second survey will be done at the administrative level. carried out by the police… the fire brigade team will also be part of it. Thirdly, instructions have also been given for the magisterial examination. The cause of the fire will be investigated,” Pathak said.
“If any lapses are found, those responsible will be dealt with sternly and no one will be spared. The government stands by the family members of the children,” he added.
Prime Minister announces compensation
After the tragic fire, the UP CM announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. “On the orders of the Chief Minister, assistance of Rs 5 lakh each is being provided to the parents of the newborn babies killed in the incident and Rs 50,000 each to the families of the injured from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. has directed the Divisional Commissioner and DIG of Jhansi to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours,” the UP CMO office said in a post on
Prime Minister calls incident ‘heartbreaking’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of children in fire and said, “Heartbreaking! The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences go out to those who lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to Give give them the strength to bear this immense loss.”
“The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is making all possible efforts for relief and rescue,” he added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took note of the incident and directed district officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured. “The death of children in an accident that took place at the NICU of Jhansi District Medical College is extremely sad and heartbreaking. The district administration and concerned officials have been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing,” he wrote. in Hindi on X.
“Direct case of negligence,” says Akhilesh
Commenting on the incident, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “The news of 10 children dying and many children injured due to fire in Jhansi Medical College is extremely sad and worrying. Sincere condolences to all.”

He added: “The fire is believed to have been caused by an ‘oxygen concentrator’. This is clearly a case of negligence by medical management or the use of poor quality oxygen concentrators. All responsible persons should face punitive measures. The Prime Minister should focus on the deterioration of health and medical services, instead of running election campaigns and making false claims that everything is fine.”