Jhansi Hospital Fire: Faulty Alarms, Expired Extinguishers Lay Bare In Tragedy That Claimed 10 Newborns

A devastating fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has uncovered grave safety failures, including expired fire extinguishers and a malfunctioning alarm system.

The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit, broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at approximately 10:45 pm on Friday, claiming the lives of 10 newborns and leaving at least 16 children fighting for survival.

Photo Credit: X/@brajeshpathakup

According to a News18 report, the families of the victims have criticised the hospital, stating that functional fire extinguishers could have saved the lives of the 10 newborns who perished.

Sources further revealed that the hospital's fire alarm system failed to activate during the incident, causing delays in the evacuation process.

Overcrowded Conditions in the NICU
Kripal Singh Rajput, a visitor who had come to see his grandson receiving treatment in the NICU, reported overcrowded conditions, with six infants sharing most of the 18 beds. Rajput heroically managed to save 25 newborns during the chaotic evacuation when the fire erupted.

Images from the scene depicted terrified patients and their relatives, with police personnel assisting in the rescue and relief operations.

Officials Confirm Cause and Actions Taken
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed the fire was caused by a short circuit, adding, "The fire broke out due to a short circuit. Health Minister and state Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak reached there at night. 10 children had died there. The rest of the children are safe."

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jhansi Sudha Singh stated that 16 injured children are receiving treatment, with all available doctors and resources mobilised for their care.

Financial Aid and High-Level Probe Ordered
Chief Minister Adityanath announced financial aid of ₹5 lakh for each bereaved family and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also ordered a high-level investigation into the tragedy, with the report expected by Saturday evening.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who inspected the medical college on Saturday morning, assured strict action against those responsible for negligence. In a statement on X, he said, "A high-level inquiry will be conducted into this incident and if any negligence is found at any level, action will be taken against it."

The fire caused a stampede-like situation in the hospital, leading to panic among patients and staff.