Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 16 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday condemned the blaze at Jhansi Medical College that claimed the lives of 10 newborns and called for immediate action to prevent such horrific incidents in the future.
"I am devastated by the tragic incident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, where ten newborns lost their lives in a fire in the NICU. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and demand accountability and immediate action to prevent such horrific accidents in the future," Mamata Banerjee posted on X.
The tragedy occurred when a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the highly oxygenated environment of the NICU, claiming the lives of 10 newborns.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed his sorrow over the incident and called for strict action against those responsible.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death and injury of several newborn children in the tragic accident at Jhansi Medical College. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families."
He added, "Such tragic incidents happening repeatedly in Uttar Pradesh raise serious questions about the negligence of the government and administration."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, describing the incident as "heart-wrenching" in a post on X.
"The fire accident at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children. I pray for God to give them the strength to endure this tremendous loss. The local administration, under the state government's supervision, is doing everything possible for relief and rescue," PM Modi said.
The tragedy has left grieving families devastated, with many still searching for their missing children.