Saturday, 16 November 2024
Saturday, 16 November 2024
In an incident that has left the nation in mourning, a devastating fire engulfed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, late Friday night. The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out around 10:45 pm, claiming the lives of at least 10 newborns. 16 others remain critically injured, fighting for their lives as officials scramble to manage the aftermath of the disaster.
A day after the fire the state government Saturday announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the parents of each deceased and also ordered a three-tier probe into the incident. "On the CM's instructions, an assistance of Rs 5 lakh each is being provided to the parents of the newborns who died in the incident and Rs 50,000 to the family of each of the injured from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund," a statement from the state government said. The chief minister has directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jhansi and the deputy inspector general of police to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours, it added.
While condolences have poured in from all quarters, the tragedy has raised pressing questions about hospital safety and administrative oversight. Opposition leaders have demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences on X, calling the incident 'heart-wrenching.' He announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of each deceased child and Rs. 50,000 for those injured. "Heartbreaking! The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss," he said. PM Modi also assured that the state government and local administration are making every effort to provide relief and rescue.
Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu, echoing the nation's sorrow, called the loss of newborns 'extremely heartbreaking.' In a post on X, she wrote, "May God give strength to the bereaved parents and families to bear this cruel blow. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured babies."
Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath labelled the tragedy 'heartbreaking' and ordered relief and rescue operations on a war footing. "The district administration and concerned officials have been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to provide salvation to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured," he said in a statement.
Addressing an election rally at Phulpur in Prayagraj, Adityanath said the fire at the hospital was caused by a short circuit. "To ensure that other children were rescued, we were up all night coordinating (with officials) for relief and rescue efforts," he said while explaining why he was delayed in arriving at the rally.
Rahul Gandhi
Opposition leaders took the opportunity to highlight systemic negligence. Rahul Gandhi, expressing his sorrow, said, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death and injury of several newborn children in the tragic accident at Jhansi Medical College. Such tragic incidents happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh raise many serious questions about the negligence of the government and the administration." Gandhi demanded immediate investigation and strict legal action against those responsible.
Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, termed the incident 'extremely painful' and urged for an inquiry to ensure accountability. "We demand from the government that the causes of this accident be investigated and strict legal action should be taken against whoever is guilty of such negligence," he wrote.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the incident 'shocking' and extended her solidarity to the grieving families. "Words of grief and condolence are futile in this time of great tragedy. We stand with the families and parents in this difficult situation," she said.
