A fire in a neonatal intensive care unit at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, killed 10 newborns and injured 16 others.

The blaze, which spread rapidly through the ward treating 55 infants, highlighted safety lapses, including expired fire extinguishers and non-functional alarms.

Authorities rescued 45 babies and launched an investigation.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak pledged support for victims’ families and strict action against those responsible.

Families blamed poor safety measures, as alarms failed to activate, delaying rescue efforts, the Associated Press has reported.

Fires are common in India due to lax safety standards and inadequate firefighting systems.

Written by B.C. Begley