The death toll from the tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi has risen to 17, with two more infants passing away on Saturday, news agency PTI reported, citing a senior official.

The fire, which erupted on November 15 in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the medical college hospital, initially claimed the lives of 10 newborns. Thirty-nine infants were rescued from the blaze, but several have since succumbed to complications arising from their pre-existing conditions.

Dr. Narendra Singh Sengar, the principal of the medical college, told PTI that the latest fatalities were due to severe illnesses.

“A post-mortem of the two bodies was done on Saturday and the cause of death was confirmed as "illness" in both cases. The bodies have been handed over to the family members,” Dr. Sengar said.

“The birth weight of both infants was 800 grams and one of them also had a hole in the heart,” he added.

The fire has sparked widespread concern, with opposition leaders stepping in to support the affected families. Congress state chief Ajay Rai and Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia are expected to visit Jhansi to meet with the families and assess the situation at the medical college.

The incident has highlighted the vulnerabilities in critical care facilities and underscored the urgent need for improved safety protocols in hospitals.