Jhansi fire tragedy: 10 newborns charred to death as major fire engulfs Jhansi Medical College, rescue ops underway

At least ten newborn babies were charred to death in a major fire which engulfed the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi on late Friday evening.

Jhansi Fire: In a tragic incident, at least ten newborn babies were charred to death in a major fire which engulfed the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi on late Friday evening. According to reports, the fire broke out in the NICU ward (SNCU) ward of the hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 newborn children.

According to officials, a fire broke out at the Jhansi medical college in Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening, prompting an evacuation of its patients. “The fire brigade was rushed to the spot while senior officers of the district also reached the medical college”, Jhansi police said in a brief statement on social media.

Purported visuals from the medical college showed panic-struck patients and their caretakers, even as a large number of police personnel aided rescue and relief measures.

Fire broke out in the infant ward of Jhansi Medical College#Jhansi #Fire pic.twitter.com/PcCilTAI98

— Moaz (@moaz20in) November 15, 2024

VIDEO | Fire breaks out at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh; rescue operation underway. More details awaited. #Fire #Jhansifire

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Q5aZ9MiZMY

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 15, 2024

Heartbreaking visuals from Jhansi Medical College as a fire engulfs the maternity ward. Tragically, 10 infants have lost their lives. Praying for strength and help for all affected. 🙏 #Jhansi pic.twitter.com/xUPQFVUEJC

— Gaurav “Maitreya” Jain (@Gauravj_iyc) November 15, 2024

District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar told reporters that the fire broke out around 10.45 pm in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College possibly due to an electrical short circuit.

The children who were in the outer part of the NICU were rescued, along with some of those who were in the interior part.

“Prima facie there is information of the death of 10 children,” the DM said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and directed officials of the district administration to ensure proper treatment to the injured, according to a statement issued in Lucknow.

He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The chief minister directed the officials of the district administration and the fire brigade vehicles to reach the spot and expedite the relief work.

Another official statement said Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, also the state’s health minister, and the principal secretary of health have left for Jhansi on the directions of the CM.

Adityanath has also directed the divisional commissioner of Jhansi and the deputy inspector general of the police range to submit a report on the matter within 12 hours, the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies)