Jhansi hospital fire ‘accidental’, says two-member panel: Report

According to Jhansi district magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the NICU wards of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College

Published on: Nov 17, 2024, 20:59:15 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The fire at Jhansi's Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College which killed 11 newborns was “accidental” and there is no criminal conspiracy or negligence in the incident, a two-member committee investigating the blaze found.

The panel comprising Jhansi commissioner Vipul Dubey and DIG Range Kalanidhi Nathani found that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the switchboard, NDTV reported. The fire could not be brought under control because sprinklers were not installed in the pediatrics ward.

ALSO READ: Jhansi medical college fire: After horror, hunt for answers

HT cannot independently verify this information.

According to Jhansi district magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the NICU wards of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in the state's Bundelkhand region.

ALSO READ: Jhansi fire: Parents search for missing babies amid growing demand for DNA tests

The doctors told the panel that sprinklers were not installed in the NICU ward due to presence of newborns.

ALSO READ: Jhansi hospital fire: Expired extinguishers, faulty alarms, say eyewitnesses; hospital refutes claims

Firefighters work after a fire broke out in a neonatal intensive care unit at Jhansi Medical College hospital, in Jhansi. (AP)

At the time of the incident, six nurses and other staff and two doctors were present in the NICU ward. One of the nurses sustained burns on her legs while trying to douse the flames.

According to the NDTV report, the fire from switchboard rapidly spread towards the oxygen concentrator when a paramedical staff and two others went in with fire extinguishers.

But the fire was already “beyond control”, the sources told the website, pointing to the findings of the committee. The detailed report of the investigation committee is expected soon, NDTV reported.

UP govt forms high-level panel to probe fire

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday had set up a four-member panel to probe the fire at the Jhansi government hospital.

A four-member committee comprising members of the UP health department has been asked to submit its report in seven days.

"An investigation committee of the UP Health Department has been formed in connection with the fire incident at Jhansi Medical College. 4-member committee formed under the chairmanship of DG Medical Education. The investigation committee will give a detailed investigation report of the case in the next 7 days: the Uttar Pradesh government stated.

(With agency inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.