Tragic Blaze Claims Lives of Ten Infants, Leaving Sixteen in Critical Condition at Indian Hospital
In a tragic incident, a devastating fire at the neonatal unit of a hospital in India claimed the lives of ten newborns, while another sixteen infants remain in critical condition. Officials believe a malfunctioning oxygen machine sparked the blaze.
Building fires are alarmingly frequent in India, often attributed to subpar construction practices and a blatant disregard for safety standards.
This catastrophic event erupted around 10:30 PM local time yesterday at the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, situated approximately 450 kilometers south of New Delhi, the national capital.
Those fortunate enough to be rescued, mere days old, were hastily gathered and placed side by side on a bed in another area of the hospital, where care teams worked feverishly to connect them to intravenous drips.
“We’ve positively identified seven bodies, while three remain unconfirmed,” reported police superintendent Gyanendra Kumar Singh.
He went on to explain that the sixteen infants saved from the fire are currently receiving essential medical care.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze originated in an oxygen concentrator,” Mr. Singh stated earnestly.
“All the children who were rescued are stable and under medical supervision,” he assured, emphasizing the swift response from hospital staff.
Mr. Pathak noted that a safety audit of the facility was conducted in February, followed by a fire drill just three months later. “We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the fire,” he confirmed, vowing that if negligence is found, those responsible will face harsh consequences. “No one will be exempt.”
According to reports from NDTV, the neonatal intensive care unit housed 54 infants at the time of the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss, calling the situation “heart-wrenching.” In a message on X, he extended his condolences, saying, “My deepest sympathies go out to those mourning the loss of their innocent children. I pray for the strength for families to endure such an unfathomable loss.”
In a swift response, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (approximately €5,600) for each family affected by this tragedy. He declared, “The district administration and relevant officials have been instructed to conduct rescue and relief efforts immediately.”
He added a prayer on X, stating, “I seek the blessings of Lord Shri Ram for peace for the souls of those who departed and a quick recovery for those injured.”
This horrifying fire follows closely behind a similar incident six months prior at a children’s hospital in New Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of six newborns. That facility was criticized for operating without the necessary licenses and lacking adequate fire exits; authorities arrested a doctor and the facility’s owner in connection with that tragic event.
The May disaster occurred just hours after another fire claimed at least 27 lives, including several children, at a crowded amusement park arcade in a different region of the country. These incidents highlight a troubling pattern of fire safety negligence that raises urgent questions about the health and safety standards in Indian hospitals.
As we reflect on this heartbreaking situation, it’s crucial to underline the importance of accountability and reform. Fires in health institutions, where the most vulnerable population resides, must provoke a sustained response. Every life lost is a reminder that we must prioritize improvements in safety measures to prevent future tragedies. There is a collective responsibility to protect these innocent lives.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
