Ten newborns die in NICU fire
The injured infants are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
KATHMANDU: A fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday night, claiming the lives of at least 10 newborns and injuring 37 others.
The injured infants are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak revealed that the NICU, designed for 18 beds, was overcrowded with 49 babies at the time of the incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit.
The fire alarm sounded at around 10:45 PM as smoke began to billow from the NICU.
Dense smoke made it challenging for rescue operations, but firefighters managed to save 37 infants from the ward.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh confirmed that seven of the deceased infants have been identified, while efforts are underway to identify the remaining three.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grave concern over the incident and has ordered a detailed report within 12 hours.
The tragedy has raised serious questions about the hospital’s safety protocols.
