At least 10 newborn babies were killed in a fire in the neonatal unit of a hospital in Jhansi, in the north of Indiaannounced a local government official on Saturday November 16. “Ten children have sadly died”Uttar Pradesh’s state number two, Brajesh Pathak, told reporters on Friday evening. “Seven bodies have been identified. Three bodies have not yet been identified.”. Sixteen other newborns are in critical condition after the fire, according to the Indian newspaper Times Now.

NDTV reported that 54 children were in the neonatal intensive care unit when the fire broke out. These deaths are “heartbreaking”Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X. “My deepest condolences to those who have lost their innocent children in this case. I pray to God to give them the strength to bear this immense loss.”he added. Fires are common in India due to poor building practices, overcrowding and lack of respect for safety regulations.