At least 10 newborn babies have tragically died in a devastating fire at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, late on Friday night. The victims succumbed to burns and suffocation as flames engulfed the ward. Over 35 other babies were rescued from the fire, and many are now being treated for injuries in nearby hospitals.
Details of the Incident: Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak confirmed that a total of 49 babies were in the NICU at the time of the fire, which occurred around 10:45 pm. The ward, which has a capacity of 18 beds, was overcrowded with 49 children. While seven bodies have been identified, efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining three victims.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit, which quickly spread due to the oxygen-rich environment in the NICU, making the room highly flammable. Eyewitnesses reported that thick smoke was first noticed around 10:45 pm, and panic set in as the flames rapidly consumed the ward. Rescue efforts were hampered by thick smoke and flames that blocked the exits, preventing quick evacuation. Firefighters and the army were called in to assist, managing to rescue 37 infants.
Injuries and Rescue Efforts: Seventeen children are receiving treatment for injuries, with some being transferred to private hospitals. Seven of them are in private medical care. Senior officials confirmed that a total of 52 to 54 infants had been admitted to the NICU at the time of the incident. Many families gathered at the hospital, desperate for news of their children.
One heart-wrenching case involved a mother from Mahoba district, whose newborn child, born just days earlier, was among the victims. “My child has been killed in the fire,” she told reporters, unable to contain her grief.
Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” He also praised the local administration’s efforts to assist with rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and instructed officials to submit their report within 12 hours. He also announced financial compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The state government will bear the cost of treatment for four children currently being cared for at private hospitals.
Cause of the Fire: According to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire is believed to have started due to an electrical short-circuit, which quickly spread in the oxygen-rich NICU environment. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but not before it had claimed the lives of several babies.
Hospital and Community Impact: Maharani Laxmibai Medical College, one of the largest state-run medical institutions in Uttar Pradesh, has been serving the Bundelkhand region since its founding in 1968. The hospital is now at the center of a tragedy that has shocked the local community and prompted a statewide inquiry.
Ongoing Investigation: Uttar Pradesh Police, along with fire department officials, have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. The government has promised swift justice and support for the victims’ families.
