Tragedy struck late on the night of November 15 at the Rani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, when a devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The inferno claimed the lives of ten newborns, plunging families and the local community—still reeling from the pain—into deep sorrow.
One heartbreaking story emerged from the chaos: Yakub, a young father from the nearby Hamirpur district, faced unimaginable grief as he lost his twin daughters, who were only days old, to the flames. On seeing fellow parents screaming and frantically trying to escape, Yakub leaped to action. Despite the choking smoke and commotion, he bravely rescued seven other infants from the NICU, displaying extraordinary courage amid overwhelming despair.
According to initial reports, the fire was likely caused by electrical issues, possibly related to a short circuit. Eyewitnesses described how the NICU quickly transformed from a space of care and hope to one of horror and heartbreak. Yakub recounted, “I couldn’t see anything inside—just smoke everywhere. I tried to reach my daughters, but it was too late.” He added, “I saved seven children, but I couldn’t save my own.” The loss of his daughters, admitted just days before due to breathing complications, weighed heavily on him.
Yakub's wife, Najma, who had brought the twins—born on November 9—into the world, reportedly has not spoken since the tragedy, encapsulating the shattering reality faced by the families affected. Reports suggest two newborns later succumbed to injuries caused by the fire, raising the death toll to twelve and sparking outrage over the apparent lack of safety measures within the facility.
Other families echoed Yakub’s cries for justice and accountability. Many questioned how the hospital staff fled the scene, leaving desperate parents to fend for themselves during such chaos. “Why weren’t there fire safety measures in place?” Yakub demanded. “Strict action must be taken against those responsible. I just want justice.” His call reflects the broader community's outcry for reform—certainly necessary for preventing such tragedies in the future.
The plight hit home, highlighting alarming gaps within hospital safety protocols. While families mourned their losses, authorities scrambled to investigate. A special inquiry team led by Kinjal Singh, director-general of medical education and training, was dispatched to examine the incident, confirming suspicions of electrical failure as the cause of the devastating blaze.
The state government is taking steps to prevent another calamity. Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak issued directives for hospitals to bolster their fire safety measures and conduct regular drills. “We need to have regular equipment inspections and proper training for medical officers,” he said. These moves aim to establish accountability and prevent negligence from becoming part of the healthcare system.
Alongside emergency responses, calls for regulation and oversight have intensified. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the urgent need for states to update fire safety protocols and establish district-level committees to oversee compliance. The requirement for regular maintenance of electrical systems, along with training healthcare staff, emerged as key preventive measures.
Despite existing regulations, many health facilities have been criticized for failing to adhere to safety standards. An investigation has shown recurring patterns of fire incidents stemming from electrical failures, often exacerbated by inadequate maintenance and oversight. Srivastava mentioned the need for upholding the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, allowing officials to withdraw the licenses of non-compliant hospitals.
The tragedy has shed light not only on the specific failures at Rani Laxmibai Medical College but also on systemic issues within healthcare facilities. Determined to avoid redundant despair, affected families have rallied for change, raising awareness about fire safety and patient care. Yakub's heart-wrenching story of heroism and painful loss remains etched as the community strives for improved standards.
While scars from this tragedy will take time to heal, the resolve for justice and preventing future catastrophes will not wane. The tragic stories like Yakub’s and others have stirred collective grief and concern, underscoring the need for decisive action to safeguard the most vulnerable populations within healthcare systems. Families affected by the Jhansi NICU fire will not soon forget the events of November 15, but their fight for justice and safety must push forward for the lives lost and for the sake of those still needing care.
