A horrific fire at a medical college's child ward in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 10 children, leaving 16 others critically injured on a late Friday night. Initially attributed to a short circuit, new reports suggest a different cause. Eyewitness Bhagwan Das suggests the inferno began when a nurse sparked a matchstick while adjusting an oxygen cylinder, setting the entire ward ablaze.
According to Jhansi's Chief Medical Superintendent, 54 children were admitted to the NICU ward. Suddenly, a malfunction in an oxygen concentrator sparked flames across the oxygen-rich environment. The division's DIG confirmed the fire is now under control and efforts to transfer the injured are ongoing. Chief Minister Yogi has called for a report within 12 hours.
Witness Bhagwan Das recalls how the fire started in an instant after the matchstick lit up. He bravely saved several children, including his own grandson, by quickly wrapping them in available cloth. His quick thinking, along with help from others, led to the rescue of additional children.
Expired Fire Suppression Systems
Alarming revelations expose that no fire alarms rang, and the extinguishers were ineffective during the crisis. The last charge date on these cylinders was 2019, with an expiration in 2020. These outdated systems hadn’t been replaced despite not being operational for years.
Uttar Pradesh Government's Support
In response to the tragedy, the Yogi government has announced a financial aid of 5 lakh INR to the families of the deceased, with 50,000 INR allocated to the injured. Prime Minister Modi also declared a relief of 2 lakh INR from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the families of the victims, with additional aid for the injured.
Images from the site reveal the devastation within the ward where machines are reduced to ashes, and the facility is left in ruins. The ghastly incident at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College resulted in the death of 10 infants, with 17 more severely injured. These casualties have been transferred to other hospitals for advanced medical care.
Deployment of Senior Officials
Recognizing the gravity of the disaster, ADG Zone Kanpur Alok Singh is heading to Jhansi. DIG Jhansi Range and the Jhansi Divisional Commissioner are tasked with providing a detailed investigation report. In sorrow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath requested an extensive report by Saturday evening, urging acceleration in relief operations and guaranteeing top-tier medical treatment for the injured.
