Yogi Govt Announces ₹5 Lakh Compensation for Fire Victims' Families, ₹50,000 for the Injured

In a tragic incident, at least 10 newborns lost their lives and 16 others were severely injured in a fire that broke out late Friday night (November 15) in the neonatal ward of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. According to Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, started in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) around 10:45 PM. The Yogi Adityanath government announced financial aid for the victims’ families, with ₹5 lakh for each deceased child's family and ₹50,000 for the injured. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak visited the medical college to inspect the situation and stated, "A fire safety audit was conducted in February, and a mock drill was held in June. The cause of the incident will only be clear after the investigation report." Jhansi Divisional Commissioner Vimal Dubey revealed that there were around 30 babies in the NICU at the time, most of whom were rescued. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sudha Singh confirmed that 16 severely injured infants are currently undergoing treatment. Over 50 infants were reportedly admitted to the NICU when the fire broke out. In a heartbreaking account, a couple from Mahoba district lost their newborn in the tragedy. The mother, in tears, shared that her baby was born on the morning of November 13 and said, "My baby burned to death in the fire."