At least 10 newborns were killed in a fire in the neonatal unit of a hospital in Jhansi, northern India, a local government official announced on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The fire broke out at around 10:30 p.m. (1730 GMT) on Friday at the Maharani Lakshmibai University Hospital in Uttar Pradesh state.
“Ten children have unfortunately died”declared the number two in the state, Brajesh Pathak, to journalists who questioned him about the fire. “Seven bodies have been identified. Three bodies have not yet been identified »he added.
Sixteen other newborns are in critical condition after the fire, according to Indian newspaper Times Now.
“Heartbreaking” deaths
The chain NDTV reported that 54 children were in the neonatal intensive care unit when the fire broke out.
These deaths are “heartbreaking”declared Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X. “My deepest condolences to those who lost their innocent children in this matter. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss”he added.
Fires are common in India due to poor construction practices, overcrowding and lack of compliance with safety regulations.
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