Tragedy strikes Jhansi as fire in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit claims lives of at least 10 newborns; Chief Minister expresses deep grief

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the parents of the newborns who tragically lost their lives in a fire at Jhansi Medical College. The devastating fire, which broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital late on Friday night, claimed at least 10 young lives, sparking widespread sorrow and concern over the safety of medical facilities.

In response to the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his profound grief and issued a statement offering condolences to the affected families. The government confirmed that Rs 5 lakh each would be provided to the parents of the deceased children, while those who sustained injuries in the incident would receive Rs 50,000 each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The fire is said to have occurred in the NICU, where vulnerable newborns were receiving critical care. As soon as the news of the incident reached the authorities, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and the Principal Secretary of Health were dispatched to the site to assess the situation and provide immediate support.

This devastating incident has drawn attention to the safety protocols in hospitals, particularly in specialized care units such as NICUs, where infants are especially at risk. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it has already raised concerns about the adequacy of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in public healthcare facilities.

The Uttar Pradesh government has vowed to take further action to ensure that such incidents do not happen again, and the families of the victims will be supported in their time of grief. As the state mourns the loss of these young lives, the government’s financial assistance serves as a small step in acknowledging the tragedy and providing relief to the affected families.