In Uttar Pradesh, ten infants died while 16 were injured after a massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi last night. Talking to reporters, District Magistrate Avinash Kumar said, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm in the NICU.

ADG Zone Kanpur, Alok Singh, reached Jhansi to supervise the rescue work. He confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He said, 47 infants were admitted to the NICU ward at the time the fire broke out and several infants have been rescued.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the medical college in Jhansi. Later addressing media, Mr Pathak termed the incident as extremely unfortunate. He said, they are working closely with the families to identify the victims. He said, the government is taking steps to ensure a thorough investigation into the tragedy. He said, there will be three levels of inquiry.

The first will be conducted by the health department, the second by the police and district administration, and the third will be a magisterial inquiry. He emphasized the need for clarity and accountability in the incident. He also reassured the public and the grieving families that the government stand with the children and their families during in this difficult time.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the incident and directed the district administration to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In a post on social media platform, the Chief Minister offered condolences to the families of the deceased infants. The Chief Minister has sought a report on the incident from Jhansi Divisional commissioner and Deputy Inspector General of Police within 12 hours