On the night of November 15, 2024, a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 newborns and injuring 16 others, most of which later sucummbed to injuries.
[4][5] The rapid spread of flames and smoke led to chaotic evacuation efforts, with emergency personnel reportedly arriving approximately 30 minutes after the fire started.
[2] Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
In a post on X, he stated, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death and injury of several newborn children in the tragic accident at Jhansi Medical College.
In a statement posted on X, she said, "I am devastated by the tragic incident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, where ten newborns lost their lives in a fire in the NICU.