Authorities say at least 10 newborns have died in a fire at a hospital in the northern Indian city of Jhansi. Sixteen other babies are said to be in mortal danger after the fire.
“Unfortunately, 10 babies have died,” a representative of the state government of Uttar Pradesh said on Saturday about the fire on Friday evening. “Seven bodies have been identified. Three bodies have not yet been identified,” the spokesperson said.
Short circuit causes fire
The fire broke out in the hospital’s neonatal unit at around 10:30 PM local time (6:00 PM CET) on Friday. News portal Times Now reported that another 16 babies were in life-threatening condition after the fire. According to broadcaster NDTV, a total of 54 newborns were in the department when the fire started. According to initial findings, a short circuit may have caused the fire.
Fire caused mass panic in the hospital
Because no alarm was sounded, the children’s evacuation was delayed, the reports said. The fire caused mass panic as patients and family members tried to leave the building. The flames have now been extinguished.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths “heartbreaking” in a message on the online service X. “My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children,” Modi said. “I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and compensation for those affected.
Often burns due to low safety standards
Fires are common in India due to low safety standards and a lack of fire safety controls. Many public buildings have no escape routes and no working fire extinguishers.
Source: Krone
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