A devastating fire erupted late Friday night (15/11/2024) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The fire, which claimed the lives of 10 newborns, many of whom were born prematurely, left families in a state of shock and grief. It was reported that the blaze was possibly caused by an electrical short circuit around 10:45 PM, spreading rapidly through the NICU.
A young father’s valiant attempt to save his children in a devastating hospital fire ended in tragedy, leaving him mourning the loss of his twin daughters. Yakoob Mansuri, a father from Uttar Pradesh, witnessed the horrors of a blazing fire engulfing the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi. Though he managed to rescue seven newborns from the flames, he could not save his own daughters, who were also admitted to the unit.
On the night of the fire, Yakoob was resting outside the hospital when the flames suddenly spread through the NICU. As the fire rapidly grew, Yakoob, undeterred by the thick smoke and intense heat, rushed into the building. With sheer determination, he smashed a window and entered the building to attempt a rescue. However, despite his bravery, the fire was too intense for him to reach the area where his twin daughters were being treated.
“I could not enter the ward where my daughters were admitted because the fire was so intense,” Yakoob recalled. “Other parents tried as well, but we all failed. We started rescuing infants from other parts of the NICU, and I managed to pull out seven children from the fire.”
His efforts, however, were bittersweet. Yakoob’s daughters were among the casualties of the fire, which killed a total of 10 infants that night. Their bodies were identified the following day, and their loss has left Yakoob and his wife, Nazma, devastated.
“We just want justice for our children, for the others who died in that fire,” Yakoob said, struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief.
The Tragic Aftermath
Ten infants were confirmed dead on the night of the fire, with another passing away a few days later. Authorities have since formed a four-member committee to investigate the cause of the fire and determine whether there was any negligence. The Uttar Pradesh government has demanded a report within seven days, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Yakub Mansuri, a father who had been resting on the pavement outside the children’s ward, became an unexpected hero amidst the chaos. Upon hearing the alarming sounds of the fire, he immediately sprang into action. Despite the intense heat and thick smoke, he managed to break through a window to rescue some of the infants trapped inside. His efforts led to the successful rescue of seven newborns from the raging fire.
However, in a tragic twist, Yakub’s own twin daughters were among the infants who could not be saved. Overwhelmed with grief, he struggled to identify the charred remains of several babies shown to him by the authorities. “I couldn’t recognize them,” he said, heartbroken and still searching for his daughters.
Questions Raised Over Safety and Negligence
The fire, which led to the loss of several lives, has raised serious questions about safety measures at the hospital. Initial investigations revealed that the fire extinguishers in the NICU had expired four years ago. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen cylinders in the ward may have exacerbated the fire, making it more difficult to control.
As the families come to terms with their immense loss, many are now demanding accountability. Yakub Mansuri, despite his heroic efforts, lost his twin daughters and has since become vocal in his plea for justice. “We just want justice for our children and for the others who died that night,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
The hospital fire has brought to light the critical need for stringent safety measures in medical facilities. As authorities continue their investigation, the affected families remain united in their demand for justice. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of patients in hospital care, especially those in critical units like the NICU.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)