Ten Newborns Die in Northern India Hospital Fire as Parents Attempt Rescues

A fire that originated in the neonatal ward of a hospital in northern India has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 newborns. According to relatives of the infants who spoke to local media, the spreading fire led to widespread chaos and panic, with parents resorting to breaking windows to gain entry to the ward in a desperate attempt to reach their children. A grieving grandmother recounted to ANI news agency, “The nurses were pushing people out, but those who managed to get in grabbed any child they could.” Authorities reported that hospital staff in Uttar Pradesh state’s Jhansi district successfully rescued 44 infants, though at least 16 of them remain in critical condition. The identities of three of the ten deceased babies are still unknown, causing uncertainty for some parents regarding the fate of their children. Santoshi, a new mother, continues to search for her 10-day-old infant. She told ANI news agency, “When the fire broke out, I couldn’t go inside to rescue my baby. How could I? When no one was able to get inside, how could anyone hand me my baby?” An electrical fault is being cited as the cause of the fire that occurred on Friday night at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital. Images from the location depicted distressed parents gathered outside the medical facility. Indian media outlets reported that the fire initially ignited in the intensive care unit of the infants’ ward at approximately 22:30 local time (17:00 GMT). Local officials suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit or a malfunction in a machine designed to elevate oxygen levels within the ward. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an online message describing the fatalities as “heart-wrenching.” He wrote, “My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss.” The Uttar Pradesh state government officials have declared a compensation of 500,000 rupees (£4,600; $5,900) for the affected families. State deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak stated that a safety review of the public hospital was conducted in February, with a fire drill taking place as recently as June. This incident marks the second significant hospital fire in India within a six-month period resulting in newborn fatalities. In May, a fire at a private neonatal facility in Delhi claimed the lives of six babies.