Jhansi Hospital Fire: At least 10 Infants Killed, Over 54 Were Present In Children's Ward

Jhansi: At least 10 infants have been killed after a massive fire broke out at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Presh. blaze erupted on Friday night in children's ward of Jhansi medical college, which triggered a stampede like situation. According to reports, over 50 infants were present in hospital's children (NICU) ward.

A huge crowd of parents, relatives of deceased children are present outside hospital.

Speaking on incident, Uttar Presh Chief Minister Yogi ityanath said, “ death of children in an accident that occurred in NICU of medical college located in Jhansi district is extremely s and heartbreaking. district ministration and concerned officials have been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing.”

"I pray to Lord Shri Ram to provide salvation to departed souls and speedy recovery to injured," CM Yogi said.

Uttar Presh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “ death of many newborn babies in unfortunate accident of fire in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU Ward) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi today is extremely s and heartbreaking.”

“I have instructed district ministration and concerned officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing. I myself am reaching accident site. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to provide peace to departed souls and speedy recovery to injured.”

District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar told reporters that fire broke out around 10.45 pm in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College possibly due to an electrical short circuit.

children who were in outer part of NICU were rescued, along with some of those who were in interior part.

"Prima facie re is information of death of 10 children," DM said.

fire brige was rushed to spot while senior officers of district also reached medical college, Jhansi police said in a brief statement on social media.

Purported visuals from medical college showed panic-struck patients and ir caretakers being evacuated, even as several police personnel aided rescue and relief measures.

With inputs from PTI