A heartbreaking fire at a hospital in India claimed the lives of 10 newborn babies and left 16 others injured, authorities reported on Saturday. The blaze, caused by a faulty oxygen machine, broke out late Friday in the neonatal unit of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, about 450 kilometers south of New Delhi.
The fire spread quickly through the ward, where 55 infants were being treated. While 45 babies were rescued and are now receiving medical care, local official Bimal Kumar Dubey confirmed the tragic loss of 10 lives.
Building fires are sadly frequent in India due to poor construction and lack of safety compliance. This incident comes just six months after a similar tragedy in New Delhi, where six newborns died in a hospital blaze.
Footage from the hospital showed charred beds and walls in the neonatal unit, while anguished families gathered outside. Survivors, all just days old, were moved to another area and placed side by side on hospital beds as staff connected them to IV drips for urgent care.
“Ten infants have sadly died,” stated Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. “Seven bodies have been identified, while three remain unidentified.” He also reported that 16 infants remain in critical condition.
Officials said a safety audit had been conducted at the hospital in February, followed by a fire drill in May. However, the fire, attributed to an electrical short circuit in an oxygen enrichment machine, spread rapidly due to high oxygen levels in the ward.
Response and Relief Measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the deaths as “heart-wrenching” in a post on X, expressing condolences to the grieving families and praying for their strength. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of 500,000 rupees ($5,900) for each bereaved family.
“The cause of the fire will be thoroughly investigated,” Mr. Pathak added. “Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible.”
District official Avinash Kumar also confirmed ongoing medical care for the critically injured babies as authorities work to ensure such a tragedy doesn’t happen again.
