A devastating fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College and Hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on November 14, 2024, has claimed the lives of 10 newborns. The incident has highlighted significant lapses in safety measures at one of Uttar Pradesh’s oldest and most reputed medical institutions.
What Happened?
The fire erupted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College late on Friday night. With over 100 children present in the NICU, the blaze led to a horrifying sequence of events:
- Casualties and Rescue Efforts:
- 10 infants tragically lost their lives.
- 37 children were rescued by hospital staff, fire brigade personnel, and the army.
- Initial Reactions:
- Families of pregnant women and admitted children ran in panic as smoke filled the ward.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak expressed deep condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking.”
Timeline of the Incident
When and How Did the Fire Break Out?
According to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire started around 10:45 PM in the NICU, likely caused by an electrical short circuit in the oxygen concentrator.
- Cause of Rapid Spread:
- The high oxygen concentration in the NICU fueled the flames.
- Efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered as the room was highly oxygenated, allowing the blaze to intensify quickly.
- Alarm System Failure:
- Despite a safety alarm installed in the ward, it failed to function.
- The delay in alerting staff and security personnel led to a late response.
बहुत ही दर्दनाक घटना…
झाँसी मेडिकल कॉलेज में आग लगने से क़रीब 10 मासूम बच्चों की जान चली गई।
परिजन नवजात शिशुओं को हाथों में लेकर दौड़ते दिखे, ये दृश्य दिल दहला देने वाला है।
प्रशासन को ऐसी घटनाओं पर सख़्त कदम उठाने की ज़रूरत है।#Jhansi @JhansiPolice pic.twitter.com/5TNm0yPgXF— Anubhav (@anbhvt) November 15, 2024
Rescue Operations
- Initial Response:
- The fire brigade was informed only after families noticed the smoke and flames.
- Six fire engines arrived in quick succession to control the blaze.
- Army’s Intervention:
- Army personnel used fire engines and broke the NICU’s windows to rescue children trapped inside.
- Survivors and Victims:
- Children in the outer parts of the NICU were rescued quickly.
- The 10 infants who perished were in the inner section, where smoke and fire were most intense.
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Inquiry and Accountability
Government’s Response
A two-member inquiry committee has been formed, comprising:
- The Commissioner of the region.
- The Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
The committee has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a detailed report to the Chief Minister. Officials have promised swift action against anyone found responsible for negligence.
जनपद झांसी स्थित मेडिकल कॉलेज के NICU में घटित एक दुर्घटना में हुई बच्चों की मृत्यु अत्यंत दुःखद एवं हृदयविदारक है।
जिला प्रशासन तथा संबंधित अधिकारियों को युद्ध स्तर पर राहत एवं बचाव कार्यों को संचालित कराने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्माओं…
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 15, 2024
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Recurring Patterns of Fire Accidents in India
India has witnessed several devastating fire incidents, many of which could have been prevented through stricter safety protocols.
Key Statistics
- Between 2010 and 2014, 113,961 fire-related deaths were recorded in India—an average of 62 deaths per day.
- 7% of fire-related deaths during this period were caused by electrical short circuits.
Notable Incidents
- Anaj Mandi Fire, Delhi (2019): A fire caused by entangled wires in an industrial unit led to massive casualties.
- Maharashtra NICU Fire (2021): Another NICU fire claimed the lives of 10 infants, similar to the Jhansi tragedy.
Common Causes of Fire Accidents
- Poorly maintained electrical infrastructure.
- Overcrowded buildings with limited evacuation routes.
- Lack of adherence to fire safety regulations.
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Lessons and Measures to Prevent Future Tragedies
Immediate Measures for Healthcare Facilities
- Regular Fire Safety Audits:
- Independent agencies should conduct mandatory annual inspections of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Modernizing Infrastructure:
- Retrofit older hospitals to meet updated fire safety standards.
- Functional Safety Systems:
- Ensure all alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers are operational and regularly tested.
Training and Preparedness
- Conduct regular fire drills for healthcare staff to improve response times.
- Train employees and the public in basic fire safety protocols.
Enhanced Firefighting Capacity
- Increase Resources:
- Delhi, with over 3 million people, has just 1,700 firefighters compared to New York City’s 8,000 firefighters for a smaller population.
Policy Reforms
- Strengthen enforcement of building codes and fire safety regulations.
- Penalize institutions that fail to comply with mandatory safety norms.
A Call to Action
The Jhansi hospital fire is not an isolated incident but a stark reminder of systemic gaps in India’s fire safety standards. While the inquiry committee will determine accountability, immediate reforms in healthcare safety protocols are essential.
How Can We Prevent This?
- Governments must prioritize the safety of public infrastructure, especially in healthcare.
- Citizens must demand better accountability and compliance from authorities.
In memory of the lives lost in this tragedy, let this incident serve as a catalyst for change. Fire safety in India must no longer be treated as an afterthought.
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