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Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh – November 16, 2024: A devastating fire engulfed the children’s ward of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College late Friday night, claiming the lives of at least 10 children, with officials fearing the death toll may rise. The tragedy has plunged the local community into shock and sorrow, as rescue operations continue.
The fire broke out around 10:45 PM, reportedly originating in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Preliminary investigations suggest the cause was an electrical short circuit. Flames rapidly spread through the ward, trapping many of the vulnerable children before firefighters could arrive.
Speaking to the media, District Magistrate Avinash Kumar confirmed that an emergency response team, including senior district officials, was immediately dispatched to the site. “Efforts are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage,” Kumar said.
State authorities have taken swift action in response to the tragedy. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief over the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry. He directed health and emergency services to provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families and mandated a detailed report within 12 hours. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and the principal secretary of health have rushed to Jhansi to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak as parents and hospital staff scrambled to save the children. “It was horrifying. The fire spread so fast, and the smoke made it difficult to see or breathe,” said one hospital worker, who wished to remain anonymous.
The state government has pledged support to the grieving families, with assurances of financial compensation and medical aid for survivors. However, the incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols in public hospitals, especially in critical wards like the NICU.
As the community mourns, calls for accountability and stricter safety measures are growing louder. The tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for rigorous infrastructure checks and emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities across the country.
