Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 16 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced an assistance of INR 5 lakh each for the parents of the newborns who died in the fire incident at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College Hospital, Jhansi. The UP government has also pledged INR 50,000 each to the families of the injured, from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Adityanath has directed the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Jhansi to submit a detailed report regarding the incident within 12 hours.

The fire, which claimed the lives of 10 newborns, is believed to have started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. The blaze spread rapidly in the highly oxygenated environment of the NICU.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said DNA tests would be conducted if required to identify three of the deceased infants. Seven of the ten victims have been identified, while several other newborns sustained burn injuries in the incident.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy CM Pathak said, 'Ten newborns have died, seven have been identified, and three are yet to be identified. If required, DNA tests will be conducted.'

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, describing the incident as 'heartbreaking.' In a post on X, she stated, 'The news of the death of several newborn babies in the accident at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College, Jhansi, in Uttar Pradesh, is extremely heartbreaking. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and families to bear this cruel blow. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured babies.'

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the state government, calling the incident a case of 'negligence' in medical management.

Taking to X, Yadav wrote, 'The news of 10 children dying and many others getting injured due to a fire in Jhansi Medical College is extremely sad and worrying. Heartfelt condolences to everyone. The cause of the fire is being attributed to a fault in the "oxygen concentrator." This is a direct case of negligence in medical management and administration or of poor-quality equipment. Punitive action should be taken against all those responsible in this case. The Chief Minister should leave the election campaign and false claims of "everything being fine" to focus on the poor state of health and medical facilities.'  

(ANI)