A fire ravaged a neonatal intensive care unit in a Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh hospital, resulting in the deaths of 10 infants and injuries to 16 more, according to authorities.
The fire broke out late Friday at the hospital, rapidly engulfing the ward housing 55 babies. Forty-five infants were rescued and are receiving medical attention, stated local official Bimal Kumar Dubey.
Preliminary investigations suggest safety failures, including expired fire extinguishers and malfunctioning fire alarms, hampered rescue efforts. A comprehensive inquiry is underway to establish the fire’s cause and determine accountability.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital on Saturday, meeting with affected families. He affirmed governmental support for the families and promised a full investigation.
“We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take decisive action. The government stands with families during this challenging time,” he declared.
He also noted that DNA testing is underway before the babies’ remains are released to their families.
The fire swiftly consumed the neonatal ward. Upon arrival, firefighters found the ward engulfed in flames and smoke. Rescuers had to force entry through windows to reach the newborns. Eyewitnesses reported a roughly 30-minute delay between the fire’s start and the commencement of rescue operations.
Praminder Singh Chandel, a hospital paramedic, explained that while the ground-floor location of the ward aided in the rescue of several infants, those closest to the entrance, in one of the ward’s two sections, suffered the most severe consequences, with some succumbing to burns.
Distraught and grieving family members gathered near the hospital on Saturday, demanding answers regarding what they perceive as inadequate safety measures.
Despite the presence of fire alarms in the ICU, parents and witnesses reported their failure to activate during the fire. Hospital staff only responded after visually detecting smoke and flames.
“Had the safety alarm functioned, we could have acted sooner and saved more lives,” stated Naresh Kumar, a parent who lost his child.
Akhtar Hussain, whose son survived and is receiving treatment in a nearby ward, concurred that improved hospital safety protocols could have prevented the tragedy.
Pathak, the state official, mentioned that the hospital’s fire safety systems underwent their last inspection in February, followed by a practice drill in June.
Fires are prevalent in India, often attributed to the disregard of building codes and safety regulations by both builders and occupants. Poor maintenance and a deficiency in firefighting equipment further contribute to such fatalities.