Another rescued infant succumbed to death on Sunday. District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar clarified that the death was not caused by burns.
The aftermath of the devastating fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Maharani Laxmibai Government Medical College continues to unfold, with the death toll rising to 11.
Autopsies conducted on the victims revealed that the infants were burned beyond recognition, with over 80% of their bodies affected. Three teams of two doctors each carried out the postmortems. Initially, seven bodies were sent for examination. Identification of three more infants was delayed due to the severity of burns.
By Sunday, the remaining infants were identified, and their bodies were handed over to grieving families. DNA samples were collected from the charred remains to confirm identities and for use in any future disputes. The findings disclosed that the intense heat had exposed bones, and the infants died within minutes of the fire breaking out.
DM Avinash Kumar stated that 49 newborns were in the SNCU at the time of the fire, and 39 were rescued. However, earlier reports suggested 55 children were present, highlighting discrepancies in official accounts.
The ward, designed to care for critically ill newborns with conditions such as jaundice and pneumonia, was reportedly operating at three times its capacity. Warmers and monitoring machines, essential for neonatal care, were running continuously. Experts noted that these devices require periodic breaks to prevent overheating, a safety protocol allegedly overlooked on the night of the incident.
Questions abound over safety lapses and administrative negligence, as the heart-wrenching cries of grieving parents such as Rema Devi, whose first baby died, continue to echo through hospital corridors. "Let me see the face of my child," she wailed, encapsulating the anguish of a mother whose hopes were cruelly extinguished.
While the hospital administration attributes the fire to a short circuit, the exact cause remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that excessive electrical load caused a short circuit, which ignited an oxygen concentrator and escalated the fire. However, officials have yet to provide a definitive explanation for the incident.
Bereaved families have raised serious questions about overcrowding, safety
lapses, and negligence by hospital staff. The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding strict action against those responsible.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has ordered a three-tier investigation to determine accountability for the catastrophic fire. While the investigation initially involved Jhansi Divisional Commissioner Vimal Kumar Dubey, the government later transferred the responsibility to Director General of Medical and Health Department Kinjal Singh.
The government's decision to alter the investigation committee has not been explained, but the findings from all three investigations are awaited to establish culpability.
