A large crowd surrounds Jhansi Medical College Hospital's entrance. Chaos reigns as people weep and cry out. Amidst this, a couple loudly mourns, the husband asks desperately, 'Where is our child? Can anyone tell us where he is?' With just these words, he breaks into tears again. He's not alone—families of various distressed parents, whose newborns had just begun life, rush around the compound, not knowing if they've lost their baby or if there's still hope.
Uncertainty About Baby’s Safety
Initial reports indicate that in the NICU ward, where the fire broke out, 10 children perished, while 16 cling to life. Treatment is ongoing. The most disturbing concern is parents don't know if their child is among the deceased. Some babies were just hours old; others, a week or barely 10 days. Families lack any means to identify their lost ones, leaving all whose children were admitted in distress, victims of this devastating fire.
'Just Show Me My Baby's Face...'
A recent mother, having just given birth, is physically weak yet pleads desperately, 'Oh my child, just let me see his face once...' before collapsing in her husband’s arms.
Our Child is Missing...
The child's aunt tearfully explains to Aaj Tak, 'I'm the elder aunt. Our child is missing. Born just 8 days ago, even his mother's hospitalized. There’s silence from everyone.' Another reports that the ward contained 70 children. When the inferno blazed, they were present, evacuating children through broken grills. The initial panic for all is locating their children.
NICU Ward Reduced to Ashes
Images reveal the ward where children had been housed now in ruin, with machines burned beyond recognition. Lights hang in darkness amidst the wreckage that was once a sanctuary for infants.
In Friday's tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, 10 infant lives were lost, and 17 children injured. Those affected receive advanced treatment at other hospitals. At the calamity's hour, approximately 54 infants were receiving intensive care in the SNCU ward.
Deployment of Senior Officials
Recognizing the gravity of the event, ADG Zone Kanpur Alok Singh set off for Jhansi, alongside DIG Jhansi Range and Jhansi Commissioner, who have been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and reporting findings. Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, expressed his sorrow and demanded a detailed report by Saturday evening. He has expedited relief and rescue operations and ordered the best medical care for the injured.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
Fire brigade and administrative teams continue their relief efforts at the scene. Preliminary indications suggest a short circuit as the cause. Following the tragedy, medical and local officials assess the situation. Authorities assure a detailed investigation with strict action against those responsible.
