Tragic Fire at Jhansi Medical College: UP Govt Announces ₹5 Lakh Assistance for Families of Deceased Newborns

In a devastating incident, a fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, claiming the lives of at least 10 newborns and leaving 16 others injured. The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the grieving parents of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured families.

Chief Minister Expresses Profound Grief

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep sorrow over the heartbreaking tragedy. A statement from the state government revealed that the Chief Minister monitored the situation closely through the night, keeping a constant watch on updates from the spot. He directed senior officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Principal Secretary of Health, to visit the site immediately.

Investigations Underway

The Chief Minister has ordered the Divisional Commissioner and DIG of Jhansi to submit a detailed report within 12 hours. Early reports suggest the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the NICU.

District Magistrate Avinash Kumar confirmed that the blaze erupted around 10:45 PM on Friday, engulfing the NICU. While some children were rescued, others tragically succumbed to the flames.

Rescue and Medical Efforts

Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh shared that 16 children are currently receiving treatment in other wards of the hospital. “All available medical resources and doctors are working tirelessly to save them,” she said.

Reports also indicate that some parents managed to take their children home during the chaos. Authorities are working to verify the exact number of children who were present in the NICU at the time of the incident.

Deputy Chief Minister Promises Accountability

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured strict action against those found responsible for the tragedy. “This incident appears to be the result of an electrical short circuit. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the families affected,” he said.

Parents and Communities Mourn

The heart-wrenching loss has left the affected families and the community in deep shock. For many parents, the NICU, which was supposed to be a haven for their vulnerable newborns, turned into a site of unimaginable grief.

A Bleak Reminder of Systemic Challenges

The tragedy highlights critical lapses in safety protocols in public healthcare facilities. Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, a prominent state-run institution in the Bundelkhand region, began operations in 1968 and has long served as a lifeline for the area’s underserved population.

However, this incident raises urgent questions about the adequacy of safety measures and infrastructure in government hospitals.

Government Support for the Bereaved

While the financial assistance announced by the Uttar Pradesh government offers some solace, it can never replace the lives lost. The focus now shifts to preventing such tragedies through stricter safety protocols and accountability mechanisms.

As the state mourns this tragic loss, the need for systemic improvements in healthcare facilities becomes ever more pressing, ensuring that no parent has to endure such a horrific ordeal again.