Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Newborns in Jhansi, India
A devastating fire broke out late Friday night in the neonatal intensive care unit of Maharani Lakshmibai Teaching Hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the tragic deaths of ten newborn babies and injuring sixteen others. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM, when the fire rapidly spread through the ward, which was treating 55 infants. Local officials reported that 45 babies were successfully rescued and are currently receiving medical care.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit or a malfunction in a machine used to enrich oxygen levels in the unit. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with parents and health workers desperately trying to save the infants amid contradictory instructions from hospital staff. Many parents expressed deep anguish, recounting how they were unable to reach their children in time.
Government Response and Safety Concerns
Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, visited the hospital and promised a thorough investigation into the incident. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. The state government has announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (approximately $6,000) for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the parents of the injured.
The incident has raised significant concerns regarding hospital safety protocols. Although fire alarms were reportedly installed in the unit, they did not activate during the incident, leading to questions about the effectiveness of safety measures in place. Witnesses noted that the rescue operation was delayed, with firefighters arriving only after the room was engulfed in flames.
A Call for Improved Safety Regulations
The tragic event highlights ongoing issues with fire safety in Indian hospitals, where such incidents are not uncommon. Poor building practices, lack of adherence to safety regulations, and inadequate firefighting equipment contribute to the frequency of these tragedies. In May, a similar incident at a children's hospital in New Delhi resulted in the deaths of six newborns, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety audits and regulations across healthcare facilities in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, calling the deaths 'heartbreaking' and urging local administrations to prioritize relief efforts for affected families.
