In a shocking development surrounding the fire at Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, it has come to light that a short circuit occurred in the NICU ward around 5:00 pm on Friday, which was initially ignored by the medical staff, according to sources. Later, at approximately 10:45 pm, a second short circuit led to a devastating fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 newborns.
A 4-member investigation panel has been formed by the state government to probe the incident. The committee will be headed by the Director General (DG) of Medical Education and Training and includes the Director of Health Services, an Additional Director of Electricity Medical Health Services, and an officer from the DG Fire Department. The committee has been tasked with investigating the primary cause of the fire, identifying any lapses or negligence, and making recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The panel is expected to submit its report within seven days.
Meanwhile, 16 others who were injured in the fire are fighting for their lives. Fortunately, some of the children in the less critical outer section of the NICU were rescued, although the situation remains dire for those in the inner sections of the ward.
CM Yogi Announces Financial Assistance for Victims’ Families
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site on Saturday morning, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “Instructions have been issued to probe the incident, and the local administration has been asked to submit the report within 24 hours. It appears that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the oxygen concentrator,” Pathak said. The CM’s office also announced the establishment of a helpline for families searching for missing infants.
Authorities Respond to the Tragedy
District Magistrate Avinash Kumar confirmed that the fire began around 10:45 pm in the NICU, likely caused by an electrical fault. While the less critically ill infants were located in the outer section of the ward, the more vulnerable babies were housed in the inner part of the NICU, where the fire spread rapidly.
Condolences from President and PM
The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences. President Droupadi Murmu called the deaths of the newborns “extremely heartbreaking,” offering her prayers for the families and the swift recovery of the injured babies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, saying, “The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss.”
As investigations continue, the families of the victims and the local community are grappling with the immense tragedy, while the government and authorities work to uncover the causes behind the devastating fire.
