Tragedy Strikes Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College
A devastating fire broke out at Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College late Sunday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of several newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The incident has left families grieving and raised serious concerns about hospital safety standards.
Swift Action Saves Lives Amidst Chaos
Amid the panic and thick smoke, many relatives of the newborns exhibited extraordinary courage, risking their lives to rescue infants trapped in the NICU. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of despair as parents and hospital staff scrambled to evacuate the ward.
“My nephew was in the NICU. As soon as we saw the fire, we rushed in and managed to carry him out,” said one survivor’s relative. Many others joined the effort, forming human chains to ensure as many infants as possible were saved.
Hospital Administration Under Fire
Preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have caused the blaze. However, families of the victims have accused the hospital administration of negligence.
According to a parent, the hospital lacked adequate fire safety equipment, and the response from staff was slow. These allegations have prompted the state government to order a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Government Response and Public Outrage
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced compensation for the victims. A thorough investigation has been promised, with strict action against those found guilty of negligence.
The tragedy has sparked public outrage, with citizens demanding stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in hospitals across the state.
A Call for Change
The incident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in India’s healthcare infrastructure. While the bravery of relatives and staff saved many lives, the loss of innocent newborns highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
