A devastating fire erupted late Friday night in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 newborns. A two-member investigative committee has concluded that the incident was entirely accidental, attributing the cause to an electrical short circuit in a switchboard.
The fire broke out around 10:45 PM on November 15, 2024, in the NICU of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region. At the time, the ward was housing 55 infants, significantly exceeding its capacity of 18 beds. The overcrowding likely contributed to the challenges faced during the evacuation and rescue operations.
According to the committee’s findings, the fire originated from a short circuit in a switchboard located within the NICU. The absence of water sprinklers in the pediatric ward hindered efforts to control the blaze. Hospital staff explained that sprinklers were not installed in the NICU due to concerns about the potential risks they could pose to the vulnerable newborns.
At the time of the incident, six nurses, two doctors, and other staff members were present in the NICU. One nurse sustained burns while attempting to extinguish the fire. As the flames spread toward an oxygen concentrator, a paramedical staff member and two others intervened with fire extinguishers. Despite their efforts, the fire had already extended to other areas, complicating containment and rescue operations.
The fire resulted in the deaths of 11 newborns. Additionally, 16 infants sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across Jhansi. The condition of some of the injured remains critical, prompting concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in medical facilities.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound sorrow over the incident and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the fire. He announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased infant and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, visited the site and assured families of government support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking” and extended his condolences to the affected families.
This tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety protocols in Indian hospitals. In May 2024, a fire in a neonatal clinic in New Delhi resulted in the deaths of seven newborns. A 2019 parliamentary report highlighted significant deficiencies in India’s fire safety infrastructure, noting that the country had only 3,377 fire stations against the required 8,559 and a severely understaffed fire service with 55,000 personnel instead of the recommended 500,000.
The incident has sparked public outrage and calls for accountability. Opposition leaders have criticized the state government for alleged negligence in ensuring adequate safety measures in public hospitals. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to prioritize addressing the poor state of medical facilities over election campaigning. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed grief over the incident and questioned the government’s commitment to healthcare safety.
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The tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College underscores the urgent need for stringent fire safety protocols and infrastructure improvements in healthcare facilities across India. As investigations continue, there is a collective call for systemic changes to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.