A devastating fire erupted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the tragic deaths of ten children. Initial reports suggest that a short circuit may have caused the blaze, which broke out late on Friday evening. While rescue operations were underway, many families were left in heartbreak as officials confirmed that several children were still in critical condition. The community mourns as investigations are launched into this heartbreaking incident."
A devastating incident occurred on Friday night in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, where ten children tragically lost their lives due to a fire that erupted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College. The fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit, igniting panic among patients and hospital staff. Eyewitness accounts report that the fire broke out around 10:35 PM, and the chaotic scene that unfolded was one of desperation and urgency as medical staff scrambled to rescue the vulnerable infants.
As the flames engulfed the NICU, doctors and nurses acted swiftly, breaking windows to evacuate the children trapped inside. Emergency response teams arrived shortly thereafter, deploying six fire engines to combat the blaze. Reports indicate that while rescue efforts were underway, a total of thirty-seven children were successfully evacuated from the affected ward. However, the heart-wrenching news of ten fatalities has left the local community reeling in shock and grief.
Avinash Kumar, the district magistrate of Jhansi, confirmed during a press briefing that a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire is being launched. He stated, "The children who were present in both the outer and inner parts of the NICU were rescued, but unfortunately, initial information confirms that ten children died in this tragic event." This revelation has sparked outrage and concern among parents and residents regarding the safety protocols in place at medical facilities, particularly those housing infants who require critical care.
The visuals captured outside the medical college depict a scene of chaos, as relatives of the young victims were seen grieving and lamenting their losses. One mother, overwhelmed with anguish, cried out, "My baby has burnt to death," reflecting the deep emotional toll this incident has taken on families who were already facing the challenges of having ill children.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. In a statement posted on X, he conveyed, "The death of children in an accident that occurred in the NICU of the medical college located in Jhansi district is extremely sad and heartbreaking. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to provide salvation to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured." His remarks underscore the importance of accountability in preventing such incidents from recurring in the future.
The deputy chief minister, Brajesh Pathak, along with the principal secretary of health, has traveled to Jhansi to assess the situation firsthand. Their visit is aimed at understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire and ensuring that proper measures are taken to support the affected families, as well as to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the community's call for answers is growing louder, with many parents and citizens demanding an examination of fire safety regulations within hospitals. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stringent safety measures, particularly in areas where the most vulnerable patients reside. The loss of young lives in such a tragic manner is not only a personal calamity for the families involved but also a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and reform at a broader level.
In light of this catastrophe, the focus must now shift toward implementing better safety protocols and ensuring that medical facilities are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. The community stands united in its grief, but also in its demand for justice and safety for the future.
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