Tragic Fire At Jhansi Medical College Claims Lives Of 10 Children, Injures 16

A devastating fire broke out in the children's ward of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 children.

The incident occurred around 10:45 pm on Friday, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

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16 other children sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response

District Magistrate Avinash Kumar stated that children from the outer part of the NICU were rescued, along with some from the interior section. The NICU had over 50 children admitted at the time of the incident. Senior officers and a fire brigade were dispatched promptly to manage the situation. "Prima facie there is information of the death of 10 children," Kumar confirmed.

Official Reactions and Investigations

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and instructed district officials to ensure proper care for the injured. He also ordered a comprehensive report on the incident within 12 hours. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, responsible for health, was on his way to Jhansi, accompanied by the state's principal secretary of health.

Eyewitness Accounts and Emotional Impact

Visuals from the scene depicted panic as patients and caretakers were evacuated with police assistance. A grieving couple from Mahoba district mourned their newborn's death, with the mother stating, "My child has been killed in fire." The emotional toll on families is immense as they grapple with this tragedy.

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures

Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh reiterated that initial findings suggest an electrical short circuit caused the fire. However, a detailed investigation is underway to determine any negligence involved. Efforts are being made to verify the status of all children who were in the NICU during the incident.

The state-run medical college, established in 1968, is one of Bundelkhand's largest government hospitals. As rescue operations concluded around 1 am, authorities continue to assess and address safety protocols to prevent such incidents in future.