Tragedy Strikes: Ten Newborns Perish in Devastating Hospital Fire in India

On Friday night, a fire swept through the neonatal ward of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of ten infants. Hospital staff managed to rescue 44 others, but the situation remains critical for at least 16 babies. The cause of the fire has been attributed to an electrical fault, particularly from a machine that regulates oxygen levels. In reaction to the heartbreaking incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences online, emphasizing the deep sorrow felt by the nation. Following a safety review earlier this year, state officials announced compensation for the affected families as they manage their tragic losses.

The fire erupted in the intensive care unit around 10:30 PM local time, causing panic among parents who rushed to the scene. Eyewitness accounts reveal the despair and grief felt by families as they awaited news about their children. Local authorities have pledged to investigate the circumstances that led to the disaster, especially in light of a similar incident in May where six infants lost their lives due to a fire in a private neonatal unit in Delhi. The situation highlights an urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in healthcare facilities catering to vulnerable populations like newborns.