Jhansi Hospital Fire: 10 Children Dead - What Caused The Disaster

Jhansi Hospital Fire: At least 10 children lost their lives, and 16 others sustained injuries in a massive fire that broke out at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday.

What Happened?

The fire was probably caused because of a short circuit, which caused panic and chaos with patients and visitors rushing to escape, creating a stampede-like situation.
The firefighters rushed into action, and were able to evacuate the 37 children. There were 54 children admitted in the hospital when the fire broke out.

Official Response

SSP Sudha Singh said that the 16 injured children are being treated and efforts are underway to save their lives. “All the doctors are available for them, along with adequate medical facilities”, she said. On the cause of the incident, the SSP reiterated the DM's remarks, saying prima facie the fire appears to have been triggered by a short circuit. "However, a detailed investigation has been launched to ascertain under what conditions or due to whose laxity this happened," Singh said as reported by PTI.

Taking to X, Chief Minister Adityanath said, "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. The district administration and concerned officials have been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to provide salvation to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured."

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