10 newborns burned to death in fire at Jhansi government hospital

LUCKNOW/JHANSI: At least 10 newborns died as a massive fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit of the state-run Maharani Laxmibai Medical College Hospital, Jhansi, late Friday.
Jhansi DM Avinash Kumar said prima facie, the fire was triggered by a short circuit in Nicu. Jhansi range DIG Kalanidhi Naithani said there were 54 kids in the ward. Sixteen suffered minor injuries; 28 are safe.
The fire that engulfed the ward between 10.30pm and 10.45pm led to a stampede-like situation in the hospital. Six fire brigades were rushed to control the blaze. The fire had been doused, officials confirmed around 12.30am.
The safety alarms did not go off, delaying evacuation, sources said. The chief medical superintendent said there was a fire at an oxygen concentrator which spread fast.
Yogi seeks report on hospital fire within 12 hours
The hospital is a key centre for deliveries and neonatal care in the district. On chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s direction, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and principal secretary health and ADG Kanpur zone left for Jhansi to supervise the rescue operations. The CM has sought a report on the incident from Jhansi divisional commissioner and DIG within 12 hours.
Police force has also been deployed to maintain order outside the hospital. The CM expressed grief over the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He has directed officials and doctors to immediately reach the spot and carry out relief and rescue work on a war footing.
Senior district officials have reached the site. A team of specialists from Kanpur has also been dispatched. Initial reports suggested that a cylinder blast triggered the fire at the hospital. However, this is yet to be confirmed. The hospital’s electricity supply was cut off as a precautionary step.