Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed sadness over the death of several infants in a massive fire at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh. The fire, which broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), claimed the lives of at least 10 infants. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and directed the district administration to expedite relief efforts.
Tragedy at Jhansi Medical College: Infant Deaths in NICU Fire
On May 9, 2023, tragedy struck the Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, India, when a massive fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), claiming the lives of at least 10 infants.
Background:
Jhansi Medical College is a tertiary care hospital serving the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. It has a 100-bed NICU that provides specialized care to premature and sick newborns.
The Fire:
The fire started around 11:30 PM in the NICU, sending shockwaves through the hospital. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit. The flames quickly engulfed the unit, trapping infants and medical staff inside.
Response:
Firefighters and medical personnel rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and rescue the victims. However, the intense heat and smoke made it difficult to enter the unit initially.
Casualties and Investigation:
As of May 10, 2023, 10 infants have been confirmed dead, while several others are in critical condition. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any negligence.
Reaction:
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and grief across India. Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed sadness over the loss of innocent lives, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the district administration to expedite relief efforts.
Top 5 FAQs:
What caused the fire? The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit.
How many infants died? As of May 10, 2023, 10 infants have been confirmed dead.
What is the condition of the other infants? Several other infants are in critical condition and receiving medical attention.
What is the government doing in response? The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced compensation for the families of the victims.
Has this happened before? Tragically, fires in hospitals and NICUs are not uncommon in India. In 2021, a fire in a Bhandara hospital in Maharashtra killed 10 infants.
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