Amidst a devastating tragedy in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, fire officials swiftly rescued multiple infants after a massive blaze erupted in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The incident took place at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College of Jhansi district on November 15.

Visuals showed rescued infants receiving careful monitoring in a makeshift ward by doctors and nurses. Other footage revealed the NICU reduced to charred ruins, with blackened walls and burnt equipment, reflecting the horror of the devastating tragedy.

According to fire department officials, they received the distress call around 10:30 pm and reached the hospital promptly. Their swift action ensured the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes, and 44 newborns were successfully evacuated. Despite their efforts, 16 children remain critically injured, and 10 newborns tragically lost their lives.

At the time of the fire, 54 infants were in the NICU. Authorities confirmed that seven of the deceased have been identified, while DNA testing may be needed to confirm the identities of the remaining three.

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a three-tier investigation into the incident, including a magisterial inquiry and reports from the Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Fire Department, to uncover the cause and ensure accountability.