A tragic fire incident occurred at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claiming the lives of ten newborns. The fire broke out late on Friday at approximately 10:20 PM, sparked by what investigators suggest was likely an electrical fault. Witnesses relayed harrowing accounts of chaos as hospital staff and desperate parents rushed to save the infants amid thick smoke and flames engulfing the ward.
According to local authorities, the swift actions of many hospital staff played a pivotal role in saving the lives of 39 other infants who were quickly evacuated from the NICU to nearby facilities. Yet, the loss of the ten newborns — part of the 55 babies being treated at the time — left families devastated, voicing their grievances against hospital management for alleged negligence and safety breaches.
The fire broke out when one female staff member noticed smoke emanated from the medical equipment and attempted to extinguish it. Unfortunately, her efforts were unsuccessful as the flames spread rapidly. Reports indicate staff presence was minimal, with only about seven personnel on duty when the disaster struck.
Following the outbreak of flames, the NICU was divided, with some newborns placed closer to the exit and others situated deep within the smoke-filled area. While caregivers began evacuations of the infants located at the outer unit, conditions deteriorated quickly. Panic ensued as parents outside the unit struggled to identify and gain access to their children.
Parents like Kamlesh Devi expressed their distress: "No one verified the identities of the babies — everyone was just rushing children out of the NICU and to the emergency room without checking the chits attached to them, which contained our details." This disorganization fueled the outrage among the victims' families, who feel the administration failed both to enforce proper fire safety protocols and to provide adequate training for emergencies.
Rescue efforts were hampered significantly, as smoke enveloped the NICU; urgent measures included breaking windows to expedite air circulation. Eyewitnesses noted attempts by parents to force entry and help break the panes, underscoring the panic and desperation of the situation.
Local officials have commenced post-mortem operations on the deceased infants, with plans for DNA testing to allow for proper identifications to take place. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital on Saturday, pledging government assistance to affected families and assuring them of thorough investigations. He stated, "We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take strict action. The government stands with these families during this difficult time."
Initial investigations have uncovered significant lapses: fire extinguishers were reportedly expired, and fire alarms failed to operate during the incident. Prior inspections conducted on the facility's safety systems raised concerns about adherence to regulations; the last fire safety inspection took place earlier this year, with the last mock drill occurring six months prior.
While firefighting resources responded, reports suggest their effectiveness was limited due to timing. Eyewitnesses indicated the blaze was not effectively contained until approximately 30 minutes after its outbreak, raising questions about emergency response protocols.
Following the incident, the National Human Rights Commission formally requested detailed reports from the Uttar Pradesh government, signaling the need for accountability and improved safety measures across hospitals.
This incident is not isolated — India has faced numerous fatal fires attributed to lax safety regulation over the years. Critics argue inadequate maintenance of buildings and insufficient accountability for safety breaches have resulted in tragic consequences like these.
Community members are growing increasingly vocal about the need for reform and stricter enforcement of safety laws, as many believe this tragic loss could have been avoided with adequate systems and precautions. Hospitals operating under perilous conditions and neglecting basic safety protocols strike fear among families seeking care for their vulnerable newborns.
Through the grief and outrage, this incident serves as not only a reminder of the fragility of life but also draws attention to the pressing need for systemic reforms within healthcare facilities across the nation. Prompt action and accountability are expected to arise from investigations, yet the heart-wrenching loss experienced by affected families is irreversible.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation closely, with pledges for comprehensive investigations, but for many, the pain of these irreplaceable losses will linger long after the flames have been extinguished.
