A devastating fire broke out in a neonatal intensive care unit at a hospital in Jhansi city, Uttar Pradesh state, claiming the lives of 10 newborn babies and leaving 16 others injured. The incident occurred late Friday, with the blaze quickly spreading through the ward where 55 infants were under treatment. Fortunately, 45 babies were rescued and are currently receiving medical attention.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the tragic event. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital to offer government support to the affected families and assure them of accountability for the incident.
Upon the arrival of firefighters, the ward was already engulfed in flames and smoke, necessitating the rescue team to break windows to reach the newborns. Eyewitnesses reported a delay of approximately 30 minutes in the evacuation process following the outbreak of the fire.
Concerns have been raised regarding the hospital's safety measures, as reports indicate that fire alarms installed in the intensive care unit failed to activate during the emergency. Parents and witnesses expressed that a timely response could have saved more lives had the safety alarms functioned as intended.
This tragic incident underscores the prevalent issue of fire safety in India, where lax enforcement of building regulations and safety standards often result in such calamities. The lack of proper maintenance and firefighting equipment further exacerbates the risks faced by hospitals and other public facilities.
Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident, as similar tragedies have occurred in the past. In May, a fire at a children's hospital in New Delhi claimed the lives of six newborns, while a hospital fire in Maharashtra three years ago resulted in the loss of 10 infants.
As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives in this latest fire tragedy, calls for stringent safety protocols and improved emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities have been amplified. The need for comprehensive safety audits and strict adherence to fire prevention measures is paramount to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
