LUCKNOW/JHANSI: At least 10 newborns died as a massive fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit of the state-run Maharani Laxmibai Medical College Hospital, Jhansi, late Friday.
Jhansi DM Avinash Kumar said prima facie, the fire was triggered by a short circuit in Nicu. Jhansi range DIG Kalanidhi Naithani said there were 54 kids in the ward. Sixteen suffered minor injuries; 28 are safe.
The fire that engulfed the ward between 10.30pm and 10.45pm led to a stampede-like situation in the hospital. Six fire brigades were rushed to control the blaze. The fire had been doused, officials confirmed around 12.30am.
The safety alarms did not go off, delaying evacuation, sources said. The chief medical superintendent said there was a fire at an oxygen concentrator which spread fast.
Yogi seeks report on hospital fire within 12 hours
The hospital is a key centre for deliveries and neonatal care in the district. On chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s direction, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and principal secretary health and ADG Kanpur zone left for Jhansi to supervise the rescue operations. The CM has sought a report on the incident from Jhansi divisional commissioner and DIG within 12 hours.
Source : Times of India