LUCKNOW/JHANSI: Preliminary investigations revealed that excessive electrical load caused by overcrowding and the continuous operation of life-support equipment led to a short circuit that sparked a fire in an oxygen concentrator and flames soon engulfed the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in UP's Jhansi Friday night. The devastating blaze claimed the lives of 10 newborn babies - three girls and seven boys.
According to witnesses, the overheated oxygen concentrator leaked oxygen, accelerating the spread of the flames. "We are examining other safety lapses, and another team from a different department is looking into management negligence," chief fire officer Raj Kishore Rai said, while emphasising the need for better safety measures, such as the inclusion of two doors - one for entry and one for exit - in wards.
The ward, designed to accommodate 18 babies, was reportedly overcrowded with 49 infants at the time of the fire. The infants were suffering from conditions such as jaundice and pneumonia.
To maintain optimal conditions, equipment like warmers and monitoring devices were running continuously. This placed additional strain on the equipment and led to the fatal overheating. Experts said these devices require periodic shutdowns to prevent overheating, a protocol that was allegedly overlooked by administrators of the govt-run hospital.
The autopsies, conducted by three specialised teams of doctors and pathologists, confirmed that all the infants suffered over 80% burns and died within minutes. Soot particles were found in their airways, indicating they inhaled smoke. The bodies were handed over to the grieving parents Saturday, amid demands for accountability and justice.
Kapil Yadav, a father who managed to rescue his newborn, alleged that while two staff members stayed to assist, the rest escaped through a rear door.
According to witnesses, the overheated oxygen concentrator leaked oxygen, accelerating the spread of the flames. "We are examining other safety lapses, and another team from a different department is looking into management negligence," chief fire officer Raj Kishore Rai said, while emphasising the need for better safety measures, such as the inclusion of two doors - one for entry and one for exit - in wards.
The ward, designed to accommodate 18 babies, was reportedly overcrowded with 49 infants at the time of the fire. The infants were suffering from conditions such as jaundice and pneumonia.
To maintain optimal conditions, equipment like warmers and monitoring devices were running continuously. This placed additional strain on the equipment and led to the fatal overheating. Experts said these devices require periodic shutdowns to prevent overheating, a protocol that was allegedly overlooked by administrators of the govt-run hospital.
The autopsies, conducted by three specialised teams of doctors and pathologists, confirmed that all the infants suffered over 80% burns and died within minutes. Soot particles were found in their airways, indicating they inhaled smoke. The bodies were handed over to the grieving parents Saturday, amid demands for accountability and justice.
Kapil Yadav, a father who managed to rescue his newborn, alleged that while two staff members stayed to assist, the rest escaped through a rear door.
You may also like
Power cut warning for areas across UK ahead of 15-hour snowstorm weather alert
Johns Hopkins in talks for India campus
'My chairman forced Liverpool transfer I didn't want before then signing for Everton'
Rebekah Vardy issues savage swipe as Coleen Rooney enters ITV I'm A Celebrity
Air turns 'severe plus'; schools to go online except for Standard 10, 12
