Swift operation rescues children trapped in Jhansi Medical College NICU fire; CM closely monitors situation

Jhansi, November 16:

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, upon receiving news of the tragic fire in the NICU ward of the Jhansi Medical College late Friday night, promptly directed officials to expedite the relief efforts. Acting on the CM’s instructions, senior officials swiftly took charge, ensuring the safe evacuation of most of the children within 15 to 20 minutes through a well-coordinated rescue operation. The children were subsequently moved to the PICU ward, where they are reported to be safe.

Throughout the rescue operation, CM Yogi Adityanath closely monitored the situation, maintaining constant communication with officials. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased children and directed authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the victims.

Deputy CM meets victims’ families, promises full support

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognizance of the fire incident in the NICU ward of the medical college and directed senior officials to rush to the scene. Acting on his instructions, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Principal Secretary Health Parth Sarathi Sen arrived at the location to oversee the relief and rescue operations.

Top officials from Jhansi, including the Commissioner, DIG, DM, SSP, and senior health department officers, were present on-site. Thanks to CM Yogi Adityanath’s proactive measures, the situation was brought under control within minutes. Most of the children admitted to the NICU ward were safely relocated to the PICU ward, and all are reported to be in good health.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak met with the families of the children, offering them comfort and reassurance. He emphasized that CM Yogi Adityanath is personally monitoring the situation and assured that the government stands firmly with the affected families.

Following CM Yogi’s directives, financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh is being provided to the families of the deceased children and Rs 50,000 to the families of the injured children, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing every possible support.

Rescued children are in good health, with no burn or suffocation injuries reported

Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar stated, “Upon receiving information about the incident, fire brigade and rescue teams were rushed to the spot. In addition, all senior officers and Health department officials promptly arrived to coordinate and execute rescue and relief operations with utmost speed.”

Dr. Narendra Singh Sengar, Principal of the Medical College, confirmed that the rescued children were safely relocated to various wards within the medical college, the district hospital, and private nursing homes. He assured that all the children are completely safe and have not sustained any burn or suffocation injuries.

Firefighting equipment fully functional; mock drill conducted in June

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak expressed deep sorrow over the incident at Jhansi Medical College, calling it extremely unfortunate. He highlighted that CM Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the matter and emphasized that the state government is taking the incident very seriously.

“The causes of the incident are under investigation,” he stated. “Instructions have been issued for a multi-level probe. The first investigation will be conducted by the health department at the government level, the second by the district police and Fire department, and the third through a magisterial inquiry. The exact cause of the incident will be identified, and if any negligence is found at any level, strict action will be taken.”

The Deputy CM assured that the Yogi government stands firmly with the children and their families during this difficult time. He praised the bravery of the staff, doctors, and rescue teams involved in saving the children and confirmed that the children are being prioritized for care. He further stated that all firefighting equipment in the medical college was fully functional, a fire safety audit had been conducted in February, and a mock drill was carried out in June.

CM Yogi Adityanath confirms 54 newborns were safely rescued from the incident

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the NICU ward of Jhansi Rani Laxmibai Medical College provides care for newborns, including premature, low-weight, and critically ill children. Late at night, a tragic fire incident, caused by a short circuit, occurred in the ward. While 10 newborns sadly lost their lives, 54 others were successfully rescued through a swift rescue operation.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak was immediately rushed to the site to oversee the situation. CM Yogi Adityanath conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased children and assured them that the government stands firmly by their side during this time of grief.

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The medical college is equipped with 146 fire extinguisher systems, all of which undergo regular audits to ensure their functionality. The fire extinguisher in the NICU ward was operational and used during the incident. Any deficiencies identified during routine audits are promptly addressed. The most recent audit was conducted in February, and a mock drill was successfully carried out in June.

Claims regarding faulty fire extinguishers at the medical college are entirely unfounded. The fire, which broke out in the NICU ward, was caused by a short circuit. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Dr. Narendra Singh Sengar, Principal, Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai Medical College