A devastating fire in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital in Jhansi, India, has claimed the lives of at least 10 newborns, leaving a nation in mourning and raising serious questions about hospital safety standards.
At a Glance
- Fire broke out in the NICU, killing 10 newborns and injuring 16 others
- Suspected cause: electrical fault or short circuit
- Expired fire extinguishers and non-functional alarms delayed rescue efforts
- Government announces compensation for affected families
- Prime Minister Modi expresses condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking”
Tragedy Strikes Jhansi Hospital
In a horrific incident that has shocked India, a fire erupted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The blaze, which began late at night, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 10 newborns and left 16 others critically injured. The incident has sparked outrage and grief across the nation, prompting immediate action from government officials.
According to initial reports, the fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault or short circuit. DM Jhansi Avinash Kumar stated, “Prima facie it looked that fire was triggered by a short circuit in the NICU ward.” The blaze spread rapidly through the ward, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation for both patients and staff.
Ten newborns were killed in a hospital fire in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the latest in a string of similar tragedies that highlight the abysmal state of building safety and fire preparedness in the world’s most populous country. https://t.co/MeHK2VhgmO
— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) November 16, 2024
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to apparent lapses in safety protocols. Tragically, the hospital’s fire safety alarms failed to activate, causing a critical delay in evacuation efforts. Rescuers were forced to break windows to reach the trapped infants, with the operation commencing approximately 30 minutes after the fire began.
Six fire brigades were dispatched to control the blaze, which was eventually extinguished around 12:30 am. The hospital’s electricity was cut as a precautionary measure, and a team of specialists from Kanpur was sent to assist with the emergency response.
Government Response and Investigation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials to supervise rescue operations and demanded a report on the incident within 12 hours. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital, meeting with affected families and promising government support.
The state government has announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (approximately $6,000) for each affected family. Meanwhile, authorities are conducting DNA tests to identify the deceased infants before returning their bodies to their grieving parents.
Broader Implications for Hospital Safety in India
This tragic incident has once again brought India’s hospital fire safety standards into sharp focus. A previous study highlighted the persistent lack of improvement in fire safety measures despite new building codes and safety systems. India continues to face significant challenges in this area, with a shortage of fire stations, personnel, and vehicles compared to regulatory requirements.
The Jhansi hospital tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and regular maintenance of fire safety equipment in healthcare facilities across the country.
National Mourning and Calls for Action
The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for immediate action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “heartbreaking” and offering support to the affected families.
As the nation mourns, there is a growing demand for a thorough investigation into the incident and implementation of stricter safety measures in hospitals across India. The tragedy at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining and enforcing rigorous safety standards in healthcare facilities to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Sources:
10 newborns die as fire breaks out at Jhansi hospital
India Hospital Fire Kills 10 Newborn Babies
Fire engulfs a hospital ward in northern India, killing 10 newborn babies
10 Newborns Killed in Fire at Hospital
