10 newborns killed in India hospital fire

10 newborns died while at least 16 children are battling for their lives as a fire broke out last night at a hospital in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi.

The fire originated in the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) around 10:45 pm, said District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar, who confirmed the casualties.

A short-circuit inside the oxygen concentrator possibly caused the fire, said Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.

At least 54 children were admitted to the NICU at that moment as officials swung into action and rescued 44 newborns. Seven of the 10 victims have been identified, said an official, adding that DNA tests will be carried out if needed to identify the rest three.

The government has announced financial aid for their families.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jhansi Sudha Singh said early this morning that 16 children who suffered injuries are being treated at local hospitals and that efforts are on to save them. All doctors are available for them, along with adequate medical facilities, she said.

It is alleged that fire alarms at the hospital did not work, with sources suggesting a lack of maintenance of emergency systems.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath last night ordered senior officials and doctors to conduct rescue operations on a war footing and asked for the deployment of adequate fire-fighting vehicles. He has announced ₹ 5 lakh financial assistance for the families of the victims. Those who suffered serious injuries will get ₹ 50,000 each.

The Chief Minister has also directed the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jhansi to submit a report within 12 hours.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi too have expressed grief over the fire tragedy.

(With inputs from NDTV)