Tragic Fire At Jhansi NICU Claims 10 Newborn Lives; PM Modi Expresses Condolences

Tragedy struck the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi late Friday night when a devastating fire engulfed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), leaving 10 newborns dead and 16 others critically injured.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with condolences pouring in from leaders and citizens alike.

PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex-Gratia; Expresses Deep Sorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, describing the incident as ‘heart-wrenching’.

In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this tremendous loss. The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is making every possible effort for relief and rescue.”

“PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in the fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” added the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak Visits Jhansi Hospital; Announces Compensation

Earlier on Saturday morning, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital to assess the situation and oversee rescue operations.

Sharing details on X, Deputy CM posted, “Today I inspected the unfortunate fire accident in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi and gave necessary instructions to the officials. During this, Principal Secretary, Medical and Health in Uttar Pradesh, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma and other officials were present.”

“The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased children and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured newborns. My government and I stand with the people of the state in every sorrow and in every circumstance,” he further asserted.

Hospital Suspects Short Circuit Behind Fatal Fire In Jhansi NICU

Hospital sources however believe that a short circuit triggered the fire, which erupted in one of the NICU wards around 10:35 PM on Friday.

Sachin Mahor, Chief Medical Superintendent at Jhansi Medical College, reported that the NICU had admitted 54 infants at the time.

He explained, “The fire broke out suddenly inside the oxygen concentrator. Despite efforts to douse the flames, the fire spread quickly due to the highly oxygenated environment. Officials rescued many babies, but 10 babies died, and the injured are receiving treatment.”

Amid the chaos, medical staff broke windows and evacuated infants before the fire brigade arrived. Authorities dispatched six fire engines to the scene to contain the blaze.

Avinash Kumar, District Magistrate of Jhansi, announced that they have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the fire.

“As per the staff present in the ward, the fire broke out around 10:35 PM. The fire started in one of the two units of the children’s ward, possibly due to a short circuit. The staff rescued the children who were in the outer part of the NICU, along with some from the interior part. Officials have formed a committee to investigate the cause of the fire. While most children rescued, initial information suggests that 10 children died in the incident,” he further asserted.

CM Yogi Adityanath Expresses Grief; Orders Fast-Track Relief Operations In Jhansi Tragedy

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his grief over the loss of lives and directed local authorities to fast-track relief operations. The Chief Minister has also ordered officials to submit a detailed report on the incident within 12 hours.

Taking to X, CM Yogi posted, “The tragic and heartbreaking loss of children in an accident that occurred in the NICU of the Medical College in Jhansi district is deeply saddening.”

“Directed the district administration and concerned authorities to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing,” he added.

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