The fire, which broke out late Friday night at the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, was reportedly caused by a faulty oxygen machine. The neonatal unit, housing the infants, was engulfed in flames and despite efforts by medical staff, the 10 babies could not be saved.
Doctors and hospital staff worked heroically to rescue the other 39 babies, who were moved to a different unit and are reportedly in good health.
Footage from the scene showed the tragic aftermath, with charred beds and walls, and families waiting outside in shock and grief.
Local authorities have indicated that the fire was likely caused by a malfunctioning oxygen-enrichment machine. Police Superintendent Gyanendra Kumar Singh confirmed that all the rescued children were safe and receiving medical care.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the site and assured grieving families that a thorough investigation would be conducted. "If any lapses are found, strict action will be taken," Pathak said.
The fire has drawn widespread condemnation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his sorrow over the "heart-wrenching" loss. "I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss," he wrote in a post on X. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
This incident comes just months after a similar fire in New Delhi that killed six newborns, raising serious concerns about safety standards in Indian hospitals.
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