New Delhi: A fire at a Uttar Pradesh government-run hospital's neonatal intensive care unit led to the deaths of ten newborn babies on the night of November 15.

The incident took place at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi.

Dozens of children were rescued as seven fire tenders got to work, say reports. The fire led to a rush and a stampede-like situation.

Indian Express has reported that the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has two sections – the outer unit for babies who were in a stable condition and the inner unit for those in a critical condition. The fire is suspected to have originated in the inner unit and was possibly caused by a short circuit.

At the time of the incident, the NICU was overcrowded, housing 49 infants despite having a capacity for just 18, reported the Indian Express. The fire reportedly broke out around 10:20 PM, forcing staff to break window panes to rescue the babies.

Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak announced a thorough investigation, assuring strict action against those found responsible.. The incident is being probed at multiple levels by the health department, police, district administration and through a magisterial inquiry.

India Today has reported that expired fire extinguishers were found at the NICU, and the safety alarms did not go off, delaying evacuation.

The NICU has been sealed and police personnel have been deployed outside. Established in 1968, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College is Bundelkhand’s largest hospital.

The Prime Minister's Office has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased child. The injured will be given Rs. 50,000.

This copy was updated at 12:57 hours on November 17 to reflect new developments.

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