Jhansi Hospital Fire: Nurse's Negligence Alleged in Tragic Blaze Killing 10 Newborns - Read Now

At least 10 new-born babies died in a fire that ravaged Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi on Friday night. Preliminary investigation has cited that the reason behind this fire was the short circuit in the oxygen concentrator; however, an eye witness has raised an allegation that the nurse provoked it due to negligence by lighting a matchstick.
 
Eyewitness Account: The nurse allegedly lit the matchstick
It was Bhagwan Das, who, as a Hamirpur resident, happens to be an eye-witness of the mishap taking place and witnessed the firebreak out from the children's ward itself. According to Das, "the nurse had lighted a match stick while connecting the pipe of an oxygen cylinder and thus oxygen-rich ward ignited instantaneously due to it.".

As soon as the match was lit, the whole ward caught fire," said Das. Actively quick, Das saved 3–4 children by wrapping them in a cloth and carrying them to safety. He also rescued other children amidst the chaos.

Safety Lapses at Hospital
The tragedy has highlighted some gross safety lapses:

• Expired fire extinguishers were found in the ward.
• Safety alarms failed to activate, delaying evacuation.
• The inferno triggered a stampede-like situation in the hospital, as if there was already enough chaos.

Government Response
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also manages the health department, said that the short circuit seems to have originated in the oxygen concentrator. He said that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the lapses.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced ₹5 lakh compensation to each of the families of the dead and ₹50,000 to the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled and announced an additional ₹2 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased. Probe Underway
The reasons behind the fire will be established after thorough investigation along with accountability. Uttar Pradesh government has assured action with an iron fist as evidenced by probe findings.

Horror Incident
The case has sent shivers down the spine of this nation: leaders and citizens clamoring for greater adherence to strict safety measures in hospitals. Clearly, the inferno points to a necessity to strengthen safety measures in healthcare facilities so that such a tragedy may not be repeated in the future.