Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh : A devastating fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College claimed the lives of 10 newborn babies late Friday night. The incident, which occurred in a ward designed to house 18 infants but overcrowded with 49 at the time, has left the nation in shock.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy, while also promising comprehensive relief and swift action to determine accountability.
Details of the Incident
The fire reportedly originated from a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator and spread rapidly due to the high concentration of oxygen in the NICU. The affected ward was engulfed in flames and smoke, leading to fatalities from burns and suffocation.
Seven of the deceased infants have been identified, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identities of the remaining three. Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, who visited the site on Saturday morning, highlighted the overcrowding in the NICU, which significantly exceeded its capacity.
“It is a heart-wrenching tragedy. The ward, designed for 18 children, had 49 infants. We are making every effort to reach the families of the victims and support them in this moment of unimaginable grief,” Pathak stated.
PM Modi and CM Yogi Respond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences in an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter):
“Heartbreaking! The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss.”
He also assured the nation that the Uttar Pradesh administration is working diligently to provide relief and rescue efforts, under the supervision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Chief Minister Adityanath’s office announced an ex gratia amount of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those whose children sustained injuries. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) emphasized the importance of swift action:
“The Chief Minister has directed the Divisional Commissioner and DIG of Jhansi to submit a detailed report within 12 hours. Multi-level investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and assess accountability.”
Investigations and Allegations
The initial investigation points to a short circuit in the oxygen concentrator as the probable cause. However, hospital authorities are under scrutiny following allegations by the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP). The SP claims a minor short circuit in the same machinery occurred earlier on Friday afternoon but was ignored by hospital staff.
A hospital staff member, speaking anonymously, admitted that the NICU’s infrastructure was under significant strain due to overcrowding and aging equipment.
“We have been raising concerns about the condition of the equipment and the overcrowding, but no substantial action was taken. This tragedy could have been prevented,” the staff member said.
Reactions
The tragedy has sparked outrage and grief across the country. Families of the victims are demanding justice and immediate action against those responsible for the hospital’s management lapses.
Dr. Anand Verma, a pediatrician at a nearby hospital, expressed shock at the incident, emphasising the critical importance of proper maintenance in NICUs.
“The NICU environment is inherently high-risk due to the presence of oxygen-enriched air. Regular maintenance and adherence to fire safety protocols are non-negotiable. This tragedy highlights systemic failures that need urgent rectification,” Dr. Verma stated.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, have criticized the state government for alleged negligence in public health infrastructure.
Relief Measures and Safety Overhaul
In addition to financial assistance for the victims’ families, the Uttar Pradesh government has pledged to conduct a state-wide audit of all NICUs to ensure compliance with safety standards. Chief Minister Adityanath has promised that those found guilty of negligence will face strict action.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for the grieving families. This incident is a wake-up call for hospitals across the state to prioritize safety and accountability,” Adityanath said in a statement.
The hospital administration has formed a five-member committee to assess the damage and propose measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Political Fallout
The fire has intensified political debates on the state of healthcare in Uttar Pradesh. Opposition parties have called for a thorough investigation, not just into this incident but also into the broader inadequacies of public hospitals.
“This is not an isolated incident. It reflects the neglect of our healthcare system. The government must take responsibility and overhaul the infrastructure immediately,” said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of the Congress Party.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended its administration, citing ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure. However, the incident has put significant pressure on the state government to deliver on its promises of reform.
Voices of the Bereaved
For the affected families, the tragedy is an irreplaceable loss. Devastated parents gathered outside the hospital, some holding onto photographs of their deceased infants.
Sunil Sharma, a father who lost his twin daughters, expressed his grief and anger:
“We trusted the hospital with the lives of our children. This is not just an accident; it is a failure of the entire system. I want justice for my daughters.”
Path Forward
The Jhansi fire tragedy has once again brought the spotlight on the critical need for stringent safety protocols in hospitals, particularly in high-risk units like NICUs. While the immediate focus remains on relief for the victims’ families, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the systemic reforms required in India’s healthcare system.
As investigations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for accountability, justice, and long-term changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This horrific incident underscores the importance of prioritising safety, maintenance, and proper resource allocation in healthcare institutions to protect the most vulnerable lives.