Jhansi Hospital Fire: Did Short Circuit Lead To Blaze That Killed Children? | Key Updates

At least 10 children lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out in the children's ward of a medical college in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district, officials confirmed. 16 others sustained injuries and remain in critical condition.

Hospital officials reported that there were 54 infants admitted to the NICU at the time of the incident, reported the Times of India.

Photo Credit: PTI

BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha stated: "This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. Ten newborns died in the fire, and around 35 newborns were rescued. Doctors are providing the best possible treatment to the injured. The government is in touch with the medical college's doctors."

Jhansi District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar informed reporters that the fire began around 10:45 pm on Friday in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College. Officials believe the fire was likely caused by a short circuit.

"Prima facie there is information of the death of 10 children," the DM said, adding that children in the outer section of the NICU, as well as some from the inner section, were successfully rescued.

Uttar Pradesh Government Orders Multi-Level Investigation

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a multi-tiered investigation into the tragedy. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, speaking to reporters on Saturday, vowed strict action against those found responsible and extended the government's support to the families of the deceased infants.

"The death of the newborns is very unfortunate. Alongside family members, we are working to identify the bodies of the deceased. The investigation will proceed on three levels: an administrative probe by the health department, a second probe by the police administration, and a third by the fire department. Additionally, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire," Pathak said.

He added: "If any lapses are found, those responsible will face strict action. No one will be spared. The government stands with the families of the children."

Chief Minister Announces Compensation

In the wake of the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. According to a statement from the UP CMO: "On the instructions of the Chief Minister, Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the parents of each deceased child, and Rs 50,000 will be given to the families of the injured. The Chief Minister has directed the divisional commissioner and DIG of Jhansi to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours."

PM Modi Calls Incident 'Heart-Wrenching'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a post on X, stating: *"Heartbreaking! The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss."*

He added: "The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is making every possible effort for relief and rescue."

The Chief Minister echoed similar sentiments, describing the incident as "extremely sad and heartbreaking" in a Hindi post on X. He instructed district officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Demands Accountability

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav expressed his sorrow and criticised the administration's negligence, saying: "The news of 10 children dying and many others injured due to the fire in Jhansi Medical College is extremely sad and worrying. Heartfelt condolences to everyone."

He further alleged: "The fire is reported to have been caused by an 'oxygen concentrator'. This is clearly a case of negligence by medical management and administration or the use of poor-quality oxygen concentrators. All responsible individuals should face punitive action. The Chief Minister should focus on the deterioration of health and medical services instead of election campaigning and making false claims of everything being fine."