Lucknow (Web Desk): In a heart-wrenching tragedy on Friday night, ten newborn babies lost their lives after a fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
According to reports, the fire engulfed the unit, which housed 49 infants at the time, leading to the devastating deaths of the infants, who succumbed to burns and suffocation.
Brajesh Pathak, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, emergency responders managed to rescue 38 babies from the ward, while 17 of the injured are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across the region.
Seven of the deceased infants have been identified, with authorities still working to confirm the identities of the remaining three.
One infant remains unaccounted for, as reported by an official who spoke under anonymity.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an inquiry into the incident, and local authorities are working swiftly to determine the source of the blaze.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic loss, offering condolences to the grieving families.
"This is a heart-wrenching incident," he said. "My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children. I pray for strength for the families to bear this immense loss."
The fire has sparked widespread shock and grief, with many calling for greater safety measures in hospitals, especially in critical care units for vulnerable newborns.
