A fire has devastated the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital in Jhansi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, killing 10 newborns and injuring 16 others. Local authorities reported this, explaining that the flames spread they spread rapidly in the ward, where 55 newborns were hospitalized. Forty-five children have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment, said Bimal Kumar Dubey, a local official.
It was not immediately clear what started the fire. Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister of the state, visited the hospital and met the families, promising government support and a thorough investigation. “We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take severe measures. The government stands by the families in this difficult time,” he said.
When the firefighters arrived, the department was engulfed in flames and columns of smoke. Rescuers had to break windows to reach the newborns. Eyewitnesses said the rescue operation began about 30 minutes after the fire broke out, delaying evacuation efforts.
The incident has raised questions about the hospital’s safety measures. Although fire alarms had been installed in the intensive care unit, parents and witnesses said they did not go off during the fire. Hospital staff intervened only after seeing signs of smoke and fire.