- By Talibuddin Khan
- Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:57 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jhansi Hospital Fire News: At least 10 newborns were charred to death after a massive fire engulfed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi. Heart-wrenching visuals from the hospital show kin of the victims screaming and crying over the loss, while being evacuated by police personnel. The children in the outer part of the NICU were rescued, along with some of those in the interior part. Several of the 10 dead were born just a day back while many were receiving treatments for various illnesses after birth.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and directed officials of the district administration to ensure proper treatment of the injured. The CM further directed Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, also the state's health minister, and the principal secretary of health to reach Jhansi. CM Adityanath has also directed the divisional commissioner of Jhansi and the deputy inspector general of the police range to submit a report on the matter within 12 hours.
"There were 54 babies admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside Oxygen concentrator, efforts to douse the fire were done but since the room was highly oxygenated, fire spread quickly. Many babies were rescued. 10 babies have died. Injured babies are undergoing treatment," Sachin Mahor, Chief Medical Superintendent said.
#WATCH | Sachin Mahor, Chief Medical Superintendent says, " There were 54 babies admitted in the NICU ward. Suddenly a fire broke out inside Oxygen concentrator, efforts to douse the fire were done but since the room was highly oxygenated, fire spread quickly...many babies were… https://t.co/Ki57EngJTf pic.twitter.com/HwqjpgbcGU
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2024
Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed panic-struck patients and family members of the children admitted to the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College and Hospital. The tragic event has left families in despair and turmoil. In a heartbreaking turn, Kriparam, who recently became a father, is grappling with the disappearance of both his wife and newborn after the fire, despite his heroic efforts to rescue other children.
Jhansi Hospital Fire: Families Of Victims Share Ordeal
Saved Others’ Children, But His Own Is Missing:
Shanti Devi, the wife of Kriparam, a resident of Gorpura village in Thana Garautha, was admitted to a medical college 10 days ago for childbirth. After delivering the baby, Shanti Devi mysteriously disappeared. While Kriparam was searching for his wife, he heard about a fire in Nikku Ward. He rushed to the ward to rescue his newborn, but the baby was nowhere to be found. Though he managed to save other children, Kriparam remains inconsolable as he has yet to find his child.
Kriparam shared his anguish, saying he had married late in life and was overjoyed at the birth of his first child. However, his happiness turned into despair with the sudden disappearance of both his wife and child.
Newborn Underwent Brain Surgery, Now Missing:
The identities of the children who died in the fire have not yet been disclosed, leaving families in anguish. Sonu, a resident of Pulwara in Lalitpur, is among the distressed parents. His wife had given birth to a baby boy about six weeks ago. Due to a condition causing fluid buildup in the child’s brain, the baby was admitted to the medical college and underwent surgery earlier that day. However, since the fire, the child has gone missing. Sonu expressed his frustration, saying no one is providing any clarity on whether his child is safe.
Families Hold Hospital Administration Accountable:
Following the fire, the families of children admitted to the ward have been outraged. Many are demanding accountability from the medical college administration, which they accuse of negligence in ensuring the patient's safety. To maintain order and prevent any disturbances, a large police force has been deployed on the medical college campus.