Tragic Fire at Jhansi Medical College Results in Death of 10 Children

A devastating fire broke out in the children's ward of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday night. At least 10 children lost their lives, with officials fearing the death toll could rise. The blaze erupted around 10:45 pm in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), likely due to an electrical short circuit, according to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

The fire primarily affected the NICU's interior section, where more critical patients were housed. Many children from this area were rescued, along with those from the outer section. "Prima facie there is information of the death of 10 children," stated Kumar. A couple from Mahoba district mourned their newborn's death, who was born on November 13 at 8 am.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Divisional Commissioner Vimal Dubey arrived at the hospital around midnight and confirmed that about 30 children were in the NICU's interior section. Most were rescued. Firefighters and senior district officers quickly reached the scene to manage the situation. The police issued a brief statement on social media regarding the incident.

Government's Reaction and Support

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the tragedy and instructed district officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. He also wished for their speedy recovery. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and the principal secretary of health were dispatched to Jhansi following Adityanath's orders.

Official Statements and Actions

The Chief Minister directed Jhansi's divisional commissioner and the deputy inspector general of police to submit a report within 12 hours. "I am extremely pained by this incident," said Jhansi Lok Sabha MP Anurag Sharma, who was out of town at the time. Sadar MLA Ravi Sharma arrived at the hospital soon after the incident occurred.Visuals from the medical college depicted panic-stricken patients and caretakers being evacuated, assisted by police personnel involved in rescue operations. The tragic event has left families grieving and authorities working to understand how such a disaster occurred in a medical facility meant to save lives.