UP Hospital Fire Claims 10 Lives; Probe Ordered
A tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has claimed the lives of 10 children and left 16 others critically injured. The incident occurred late on Friday, November 15, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where over 50 infants were admitted. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Immediate rescue efforts were launched, saving children from the outer section of the NICU, while the interior part, housing more critical patients, posed significant challenges. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh reported that 16 children are undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the fire. Videos from the scene captured the chaos, as panicked parents and hospital staff worked alongside emergency responders to evacuate patients.
Heartbreaking Loss
Among the victims was a newborn from Mahoba district. The inconsolable mother, who lost her three-day-old child, said, “My child has been killed in the fire.” This profound loss highlights the emotional toll on families affected by the tragedy.
Government Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as “heartbreaking.” He directed officials to ensure prompt medical care for the injured and ordered a multi-level probe to uncover the fire’s cause and address lapses in safety protocols. Taking to social media platform X, Adityanath emphasized the need for expedited relief and rescue operations.
Questions of Safety
The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in hospitals. Preliminary findings suggest an electrical fault, but investigators are evaluating whether adequate safety protocols were followed. Experts stress the need for regular audits, proper staff training, and functional fire suppression systems, especially in facilities caring for vulnerable patients.
Public Reaction and Future Steps
The incident has sparked outrage and grief, with citizens demanding accountability and systemic reforms. The state government has pledged strict action against those found negligent. Meanwhile, discussions on improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring compliance with safety standards have gained momentum.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting affected families, stabilizing injured children, and implementing measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. This tragedy underscores the critical importance of robust safety protocols in healthcare facilities.