A devastating fire at an Indian hospital has resulted in the tragic loss of ten newborns. Authorities are investigating the cause of this heartbreaking incident.
A tragic fire at a government hospital in Jhansi, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the deaths of at least ten infants and left more than twelve others injured.
According to preliminary reports, a short circuit within an oxygen concentrator may have sparked the fire, causing chaos as hospital staff tried to evacuate patients from the neonatal intensive care unit.
According to local media reports, a fire erupted on Friday night, rapidly consuming the unit and extending to other sections of the facility. Firefighters fought for several hours before managing to bring the situation under control.
Approximately 35 infants were rescued, while ten tragically lost their lives from smoke inhalation and severe burns. As of early Saturday morning, 16 others are still fighting for survival.
In a troubling video circulating on social media, individuals are shown assisting firefighters in rescuing the infants.
The local authorities and hospital management are under significant scrutiny after the incident. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vivek Kumar announced that safety protocols will be reviewed to prevent any future tragedies.
He expressed profound sadness over the incident and affirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all patients, as reported by the Times of India.
The government of Uttar Pradesh has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and announced a compensation package for the families affected.
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Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the newborns’ deaths as “very unfortunate,” noting that authorities are currently working to identify the bodies. He stated, “The cause of the fire will be investigated. If any negligence is discovered, those responsible will face stringent consequences; no one will escape accountability.” He also emphasized that “the government stands with the families of these children.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his sympathies after the devastating fire on X, stating: “Heartbreaking! This incident is truly distressing. My deepest condolences go out to the families who lost their innocent children. I pray that God provides them with strength during this immense loss.”
Modi observed that the local administration, backed by the state government, is doing everything possible to aid in relief and rescue efforts.
Akhilesh Yadav, the opposition political leader and head of the Samajwadi Party, asserted that the tragedy was “undoubtedly due to negligence by medical management and administration or from using substandard oxygen concentrators.”
Yadav stated, “All those accountable should be subjected to disciplinary measures. The chief minister needs to prioritize addressing the decline in health and medical services rather than engaging in election campaigning and falsely asserting that everything is under control.”
Earlier this year, a devastating fire engulfed the Baby Care Newborn Hospital in New Delhi, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least seven newborns and injuring five others. The fire department reported that the hospital had failed to comply with fire safety regulations. Similar to previous incidents, this blaze originated from a generator short circuit and was exacerbated when it spread to over two dozen oxygen cylinders stored within the facility.
