Jhansi hospital fire: CM Yogi Adityanath monitors rescue operations; 400 police personnel deployed

LUCKNOW: The fire which broke out in the NICU ward of Jhansi's Rani Laxmibai Medical College late Friday night, prompt action under the directives of chief minister Yogi Adityanath ensured the swift evacuation of infants within 15–20 minutes through a well-coordinated rescue operation.

All rescued children have been shifted to the PICU ward and are reported to be in stable condition.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath personally monitored the rescue operations and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed officials to provide all possible assistance to affected families. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and Principal Secretary (Health) Partha Sarathi Sen rushed to the site to oversee relief efforts, said a senior govt officer.

Rescue and support measures
Of the 64 infants in the NICU, 54 were safely rescued. 10 lives were lost. The state government announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for injured infants. Deputy CM Pathak assured families of unwavering government support, emphasizing that CM Yogi is closely monitoring the situation.

Firefighting preparedness
Officials stated that all firefighting equipment in the hospital, including 146 fire extinguishers, were functional, with audits conducted in February and mock drills performed in June.

The fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit, is under investigation at multiple levels, including health department, district administration, and magisterial probes.

Medical College Principal Dr. Narendra Singh Sengar confirmed that none of the rescued children sustained burns or suffocation injuries and are receiving necessary care in other wards.

Additional force of 400 police personnel including 4 company of PAC have been deployed at the medical college for security.

Postmortem is being done by a panel of four doctors who have completed five bodies.

DNA sample of three unknown bodies are to be taken.

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