10 Newborn Babies Killed in Fire at Hospital's NICU: An 'Immense Loss'

Mar. 15, 2025

The NICU at the hospital in Jhansi, India, on Nov. 15.Photo:AP Photo

AP Photo

Ten newborn babies are dead after a fire ravaged aneonatal intensive care unit (NICU)in a hospital.

On Friday, Nov. 15, the fire occurred at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital in Jhansi city in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, according to theBBC.

A total of 55 infants were being treated at the hospital, Bimal Kumar Dubey, a local official, told theAssociated Press. The dozens of babies that survived are currently receiving medical care, per the outlet, with at least 16 in critical condition, the BBC reported.

According to the AP, which cited eyewitnesses, firefighters began their rescue “about 30 minutes” after the fire began. Initial findings, the outlet said, indicate that errors in safety protocols — such as expired fire extinguishers and fire alarms that were not working — are likely the cause of the incident.

Brajesh Pathak, the deputy chief minister of the state, told the AP that the fire safety systems at the hospital had previously been inspected in February, and a practice drill occurred in June. “The cause of the fire will be probed,” he said, according toThe Guardian. “If any lapses are found, strict action will be taken against those responsible and no one will be spared.”

Firefighters work after the blaze at the hospital in Jhansi, India, on Nov. 15.AP Photo

The BBC reported that three of the 10 babies who were killed in the blaze have yet to be identified.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

After the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message on X, formerly Twitter, calling the deaths “heartbreaking.”

“My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children in this. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss,” hewrote, adding of the investigation, which remains ongoing: “The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is making every possible effort for relief and rescue.”

source: people.com