Ten Newborns Killed in Hospital Fire in Northern India

At least 10 newborn babies died in a fire in the neonatal unit of a hospital in Jhansi, northern India, a local government official announced today.

"Unfortunately, 10 children have died. Seven bodies have been identified," Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, told reporters.

The fire broke out late Friday at a hospital in the city of Jhansi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Local authorities said the fire spread quickly to the ward, which housed 55 babies. Forty-five were rescued and are receiving medical care, said Bimal Kumar Dubey, a local official.

The origin of the fire is still unknown.

Pathak visited the scene and met with the families on Saturday, promising government support to the victims' families and a thorough investigation.

"We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take strict action. The government stands with the families at this difficult time," he said.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, the ward was engulfed in flames and clouds of smoke, and rescue teams had to break windows to reach the newborns.

Eyewitnesses said the operation began about 30 minutes after the fire broke out.