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A devastating fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, UP, claimed the lives of at least 10 newborns late on Friday night. The tragedy, believed to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, has left 16 other children injured.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. According to an official statement, the financial assistance will be disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Rescue operations
The fire broke out around 10:45 pm in the NICU, which housed over 50 children at the time. District Magistrate Avinash Kumar reported that children in the outer section of the NICU were safely evacuated.
Divisional Commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey confirmed that most of the 30 children in the interior section were rescued. However, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh revealed that the tally of affected children was still being verified, PTI reported. “Some parents reportedly took their children home immediately after the fire,” she added.
Government’s response
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also oversees the health portfolio, reached Jhansi overnight along with the state’s Principal Secretary of Health. "Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this tragedy," he assured, confirming the fire was likely caused by a short circuit.
CM Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the Divisional Commissioner and DIG Jhansi to submit a detailed report within 12 hours, according to PTI.
A detailed investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and to address potential lapses. The SSP confirmed, “While the initial probe points to a short circuit, we are exploring all angles.”
All injured children are receiving intensive care, with doctors and medical resources deployed to ensure the best possible treatment. “Efforts are underway to save every child,” SSP Singh said.
The incident has cast a sombre shadow over the region, with political leaders, including Jhansi MP Anurag Sharma and Sadar MLA Ravi Sharma, pledging support to affected families.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. According to an official statement, the financial assistance will be disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Rescue operations
The fire broke out around 10:45 pm in the NICU, which housed over 50 children at the time. District Magistrate Avinash Kumar reported that children in the outer section of the NICU were safely evacuated.
Divisional Commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey confirmed that most of the 30 children in the interior section were rescued. However, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh revealed that the tally of affected children was still being verified, PTI reported. “Some parents reportedly took their children home immediately after the fire,” she added.
Government’s response
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also oversees the health portfolio, reached Jhansi overnight along with the state’s Principal Secretary of Health. "Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this tragedy," he assured, confirming the fire was likely caused by a short circuit.
CM Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the Divisional Commissioner and DIG Jhansi to submit a detailed report within 12 hours, according to PTI.
A detailed investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and to address potential lapses. The SSP confirmed, “While the initial probe points to a short circuit, we are exploring all angles.”
All injured children are receiving intensive care, with doctors and medical resources deployed to ensure the best possible treatment. “Efforts are underway to save every child,” SSP Singh said.
The incident has cast a sombre shadow over the region, with political leaders, including Jhansi MP Anurag Sharma and Sadar MLA Ravi Sharma, pledging support to affected families.
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