10 newborns killed in hospital blaze
NAGPUR/MUMBAI: Ten newborns were killed in a massive fire at the district civil hospital at Bhandara, around 65 km from Nagpur in eastern Maharashtra early Saturday morning. The blaze occurred at the hospital’s Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) where 17 newborns were admitted.
Dr Pramod Khandate, Civil Surgeon of Bhandara district, said the fire broke out in the SNCU at around 2am, and seven children could be rescued. A doctor and a nurse were on duty at the time of the incident. The hospital nurse first noticed the smoke coming from the neonatal section and informed the hospital authorities. Fire Brigade was also called to the hospital immediately which rescued seven babies who have been shifted to another ward, informed Dr Khandate.
The civil surgeon also informed that patients from the ICU ward, dialysis wing and labour ward were also moved to other wards immediately afterwards.
All the infants killed were between a month and three months old. At least three babies were charred to death, officials said, while the rest possibly died of asphyxiation. “The exact cause of death would be ascertained after the post mortem,” Khandate said. “The fire brigade personnel have succeeded to rescue seven newborn children but could not save 10 other babies,” he further said.
The cause of the fire in the four-storeyed building is yet to be ascertained. However, the preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit caused the tragedy, one fire official said on condition of anonymity. “It was said that warmers are being used for the new-born babies at the hospital. It may be the reason for the short circuit there.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the incident. “Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible,” Modi tweeted.
Terming the fire incident as very unfortunate, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered a detailed investigation in to the matter. He also directed to check status of fire audit of all the hospitals across the state. Thackeray further assured that those found guilty will be punished.