'Expired Fire Dousers, Faulty Alarm System': Jhansi Hospital Tragedy Exposes Safety Lapses

Jhansi Hospital Fire: The fire extinguishers in the children's ward of the hospital had expired and the safety alarms did not go off on time.

At least 10 newborn infants were killed after fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit of Jhansi Medical College.

Source : PTI

The tragic fire incident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh that claimed the lives of 10 newborn babies exposed the safety lapses on the part of the hospital administration. 

The hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where the tragedy unfolded had expired fire extinguishers and the safety alarm did not go off on time, delaying the evacuation work, reported India Today. 

As per the preliminary probe, the filling date mentioned on the fire extinguisher cylinders was 2019 and the expiry was 2020. After the fire broke out, the fire alarm also did not go off. 

The fire broke out at around 10:30 pm on Friday leading to a stampede-like situation. 

DNA Test Maybe Conducted For Identification: Dy CM 

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Friday that DNA tests would be conducted, if required, to identify three of the ten newborns who lost their lives. 

Seven of the deceased infants have been identified. 

"Ten newborns have died, seven have been identified, and three are yet to be identified. If required, DNA tests will be conducted," Pathak said while speaking to reporters. 

He added that instructions have been given to investigate the incident and the local administration has been asked to submit an investigation report within 24 hours. 

Prima facie, a short circuit inside the oxygen concentrator appeared to be the cause of the blaze, said the Deputy CM.

PM Modi, CM Adityanath Announce Ex Gratia 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. He expressed grief over the incident and offered condolences to the bereaved families. 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to parents of the newborns killed in the mishap.