10 Newborns Die in Overcrowded NICU Fire in India, Inquiry Ordered

In a heart-wrenching incident, a fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, late Friday night, claiming the lives of at least 10 newborns and injuring 17 others. The NICU, designed to accommodate 18 beds, was reportedly housing 49 infants at the time of the tragedy.

Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, who visited the site, confirmed that seven of the deceased infants have been identified, while efforts are underway to identify the remaining three. Meanwhile, the injured infants are receiving treatment in the hospital’s emergency wing and private facilities.

Additional Director General of Police Alok Singh revealed that 37 infants were rescued from the fire. Disturbing visuals of the rescued newborns undergoing treatment have surfaced, adding to the public outcry over the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” extending his condolences to the bereaved families and assuring them of the administration’s full support. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed a swift magisterial inquiry and announced financial assistance of ₹500,000 for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those with injured children.