UP hospital fire: Govt orders multi-level probe into infant deaths at Jhansi Medical College | VIDEO

Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, announced on Saturday that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the devastating fire at Jhansi Medical College. The fire, which broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) late Friday evening, tragically led to the deaths of 10 newborn babies.

Pathak assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the incident, and expressed the state's commitment to supporting the grieving families.

"The death of the newborns is very unfortunate. Along with the family members, we are trying to identify the bodies of newborns. The first probe will be done at the administrative level which will be done by the health department, the second probe will be conducted by the Police administration...fire department team will also be a part of it, third, instructions have been given for the magisterial probe as well. The cause of the fire will be probed," Pathak said.

"If any lapses are found, those who would be responsible, strict action will be taken against them and no one will be spared. The govt is with the family members of the children," he said.

Fire breaks out in NICU

At least 10 babies lost their lives in the blaze, while several others suffered injuries. Hospital sources confirmed that there were around 54 infants admitted to the NICU at the time of the fire. BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha dubbed it an "unfortunate" incident and said that 35 infants were rescued.

"This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. 10 newborns died in the fire, and around 35 newborns were rescued. Doctors are giving the best possible treatment to the injured newborns. Govt is in touch with medical college doctors," BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha said.

Cause of the fire

Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. According to hospital officials, the fire started inside an oxygen concentrator, and the highly oxygenated environment in the NICU contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

Speaking to ANI, Chief Medical Superintendent Sachin Mahor said, "There were 54 babies admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside the Oxygen concentrator, efforts to douse the fire were done but since the room was highly oxygenated, the fire spread quickly. Many babies were rescued. 10 babies have died, and injured babies are undergoing treatment."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken notice of the tragic incident. He has directed local authorities to speed up relief efforts and assist the affected families. In a message on social media platform X, CM Yogi expressed his condolences to the families who lost their children in the fire.

"The death of children in an accident that occurred in the NICU of the medical college located in Jhansi district is extremely sad and heartbreaking. The district administration and concerned officials have been instructed to speed up the relief and rescue operations," CM Yogi said on X.

Agency