The Jhansi hospital fire, which occurred on November 16, 2024, at the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 newborns in the neonatal care unit. The incident reportedly stemmed from faulty fire alarms and expired extinguishers, raising concerns about safety lapses in the facility.
The fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), where several infants were being treated. Hospital staff and firefighters were able to rescue some infants, but the dense smoke and rapid spread of the fire hampered rescue efforts. Many parents and relatives were present and witnessed the harrowing events unfold.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a three-tier investigation to determine the cause and accountability behind the incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences and ordered strict action against those found negligent. An ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh has been promised to the families of each deceased child, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Initial reports indicate severe lapses in fire safety compliance, with allegations of inadequate training among hospital staff to manage emergencies. The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in public healthcare facilities. This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in hospital management and infrastructure.
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