A devastating fire at the neonatal unit of an Indian hospital claimed the lives of 10 newborns, according to authorities on Saturday. Another 39 infants were rescued from the inferno, which is believed to have been caused by a malfunctioning oxygen machine. The blaze erupted at approximately 10.30 pm (9 pm UAE time) on Friday night at the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, located about 450 kilometers (280 miles) south of the capital, New Delhi.
Video footage from the scene revealed charred beds and walls within the ward, while a crowd of distressed families gathered outside. 'My child is gone forever,' one mother cried out in anguish, clutching her head in sorrow. The babies, all just days old, who were rescued from the fire were transferred to a new unit within the hospital where medical staff provided care.
'Ten infants have tragically died despite our utmost efforts,' stated Dr. Narendra Sengar, the principal of the medical college affiliated with the hospital, in an interview with AFP. Sengar clarified that all 39 other babies in the ward were successfully rescued and were in good health, refuting earlier media reports that 16 had been critically injured. 'The postmortem examinations of the babies are being conducted. The 39 infants who have been rescued are unharmed,' he added.
The doctors and staff on duty risked their own lives to save the babies, according to Sengar. 'Thanks to them, we could save 39 babies. They are the true heroes,' he said. Police superintendent Gyanendra Kumar Singh indicated that the fire likely originated from a piece of equipment used to enhance the oxygen level in the atmosphere. 'All children rescued are safe and receiving medical attention,' Singh confirmed to AFP.
Deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, Brajesh Pathak, met with the parents and relatives of the infants on Saturday and assured them of a comprehensive investigation. Pathak mentioned that a safety audit of the hospital was conducted in February, followed by a fire drill three months later. 'The cause of the fire will be thoroughly investigated,' he stated. 'If any lapses are discovered, strict action will be taken against those responsible, and no one will be spared.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the deaths as 'heart-wrenching' in a post on X. 'My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss,' he wrote. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a compensation of 500,000 rupees ($5,900) each to the bereaved families. 'I pray to Lord Shri Ram to provide salvation to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured,' he posted on X.
Friday's fire occurred six months after a similar incident at a children's hospital in New Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of six newborns. Authorities reported that the hospital was not properly licensed and lacked adequate fire exits, leading to the arrest of a doctor and the facility's owner. The May blaze took place just hours after at least 27 people, including several children, were killed in a fire at a crowded amusement park arcade in another part of the country.
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