Hospital fire in northern India demands the life of 10 newborns
Hospital fire in northern India demands the life of 10 newborns
Lucknow, India (AP) - A devastating fire broke out in a neonatological intensive care unit of a hospital in northern India and demanded the life of ten newborns. Sixteen others were injured in the incident, according to the authorities.
Details of the incident
The fire broke out late Friday evening in a hospital in the city of Jhansi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Official reports state that the flames rose quickly through the station in which 55 infants were treated. Bimal Kumar Dubey, a local official, said that 45 babies could be saved and are now medical care.
causes and reactions
The cause of the fire is so far unclear. Brajesh Pathak, the deputy prime minister of the state, visited the hospital on Saturday and spoke to the families concerned. He promised the government's support for the relatives of the victims and assured a comprehensive investigation of the incident.
"We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take strict measures. The government is supported by the families in this difficult time," said Pathak.
rescue measures
When the fire brigade arrived, the station was already wrapped in flames and swaths of smoke were visible. The rescuers had to hit windows to get to the newborns. Eyewitnesses reported that the rescue operation began about 30 minutes after the fire broke out, which delayed the evacuation measures.
security standards questioned
The incident raises questions about the security measures in the hospital. Although fire detectors were installed in the intensive care unit, parents and witnesses reported that they were not triggered during the fire. The hospital staff only acted when it noticed signs of smoke and fire.
"If the security alarm had worked, we could have reacted faster and save more lives," said Naresh Kumar, a parent who lost his baby.
background to fire incidents in India
Akhtar Hussain, whose son was saved and treated in an adjacent space, agreed that the tragedy could have been prevented if the hospital had implemented better safety protocols.
Fires are common in India, since building regulations and safety standards are often disregarded by builders and residents. Bad maintenance and the lack of suitable fire brigade devices also lead to fatal incidents.In May at least six newborns in a brand Neu-Delhi, three years after a hospital fire in the western state of Maharashtra killed ten newborns.
Additional reporting from CNNS Manveena Suri and Kathleen Magramo.
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