A shocking revelation has come to light in the case of fire in Jhansi Medical College. Sources said that a short circuit occurred in the ward around 5:00 pm on Friday evening but the staff ignored it. According to sources, the first short circuit was ignored and when the second short circuit occurred around 10:45 pm, a fire broke out in the NICU ward, due to which 10 babies lost their lives. Meanwhile, the state government has formed a 4-member committee to investigate the incident.
Also read: Jhansi hospital fire: Congress demands investigation and strict action against those responsible for negligence.
Another 16 injured were battling for their lives on Saturday, officials said. Babies in the outer part of the NICU were rescued, as were some babies in the inner part as well. The committee will be headed by the Director General of Medical Education and Training. Other members of the committee include the Director of Medical Health Services (Health), Electricity, an Additional Director of Medical Health Services and an officer nominated by the DG Fire Department.
Earlier, CM Yogi Adityanath said that the committee will have to submit its report within seven days. The committee will investigate the primary cause of the fire, any negligence and make recommendations to avoid such incidents in future. The fire started due to short circuit. Health Minister and State Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak reached there in the night. 10 children had died there. The rest of the children are safe. The entire team of health department, medical college, administration and police was successful in evacuating them safely. But my sympathies are with all the families who have lost their children.
Also read: President Murmu described the fire incident in Jhansi hospital as heartbreaking.
Earlier, CM Yogi announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased. UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, who reached the spot on Saturday morning, said that instructions have been given to investigate the incident. The local administration has been asked to submit the investigation report within 24 hours. 10 newborns have died, 7 have been identified, 3 are yet to be identified, if necessary, DNA test will be done. Prima facie it appears to be a short circuit inside the oxygen concentrator. We will set up a helpline number for missing newborns. I am personally monitoring the situation and our thoughts are with the affected families.
