UTTARPRADESH: A tragic fire engulfed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, on Friday night, killing ten newborns and injuring several others. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the oxygen-rich environment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, announcing ₹2 lakh ex gratia for each deceased’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised the compensation to ₹5 lakh for the bereaved families and pledged comprehensive assistance.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak assured a thorough investigation with multiple levels of scrutiny, including administrative, police, fire department, and magisterial inquiries. He stated DNA tests might be conducted for unidentified victims, emphasizing accountability.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government, attributing the tragedy to medical negligence and infrastructure lapses. He urged stringent action against those responsible and called for ₹1 crore compensation per bereaved family.
This incident highlights critical gaps in hospital safety standards. Despite safety audits earlier this year, the mishap underscores the need for stricter enforcement and better disaster readiness in public healthcare facilities.
Web Team, C6N
 at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, on Friday night, killing ten newborns and injuring several others. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the oxygen-rich environment.){kind=link}