LUCKNOW/JHANSI: At least 10 newborns died of burns and suffocation as a massive fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu) ward of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, at 10.30 pm on Friday.
DM Jhansi Avinash Kumar said that prima facie it looked that fire was triggered by short circuit in the Nicu ward. DIG, Jhansi range, Kalanidhi Naithani said that there were 54 kids in the ward out of which 16 had minor injuries and admitted to various hospitals while 28 others were completely safe.
The fire that engulfed the ward between 10.30 pm and 10.45 pm led to a stampede-like situation in the hospital. Six fire brigades were immediately rushed to the hospital to control the blaze. The fire had been doused, officials confirmed around 12.30 am.
On Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's direction, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and principal secretary health and ADG Kanpur zone left for Jhansi to supervise rescue work. The CM has sought a report on the incident from Jhansi divisional commissioner and DIG within 12 hours.
The CM expressed grief over the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He has directed officials and doctors to immediately reach the spot and carry out relief and rescue work on a war footing. He has ordered deployment of as many fire brigades required to control the blaze and rescue people.
Senior district officials have reached the site. A team of specialists from Kanpur has also been dispatched.
Initial reports also suggest led that a cylinder blast triggered the fire.It though is yet to be confirmed. The hospital's electricity supply was cut as a precautionary step. The safety alarms installed at the hospital did not go off, delaying the evacuation.
The hospital is a key center for deliveries and neonatal care. Police force has also been deployed to maintain order outside the hospital.
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