"Heartbreaking incident" Ten newborns die in fire at Indian hospital

dpa

16.11.2024 - 09:51

A fire breaks out in an intensive care unit for newborns. For some of the children, all help comes too late. Prime Minister Modi speaks of a "heartbreaking incident".

dpa

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  • In Jhansi, India, at least ten babies died and 16 others were injured in a major fire in a neonatal intensive care unit.
  • A missing alarm delayed the evacuation and caused panic.
  • Prime Minister Modi has expressed his condolences to the relatives and ordered an investigation and compensation.

At least ten babies have died in a major fire in a neonatal intensive care unit in India. A further 16 were slightly injured, according to Indian media reports. A total of around 50 children were in the hospital ward in Jhansi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh at the time of the fire on Friday evening (local time).

According to initial findings, a short circuit caused the fire. Because no alarm had been triggered, the evacuation of the children was delayed, according to the reports. The fire triggered a mass panic when patients and relatives tried to leave the building. The flames have since been extinguished.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of a "heartbreaking incident". He expressed his condolences to the relatives on Platform X. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and compensation for those affected.

dpa