Amravati, Aug. 24:
Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra early Monday, triggering an emergency evacuation of dozens of infants from the Special Newborn Care Unit.
The fire reportedly broke out around 3.30 am after a ventilator exploded on the third floor of the government hospital. At the time, 39 newborns were admitted to the unit.
Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff immediately rushed to the ward after the fire broke out and began evacuating the babies. Medical equipment was disconnected and the infants were moved away from the affected area.
Three newborns died after suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Firefighting and rescue operations were launched at the hospital as authorities worked to move the babies to safety.
The incident has raised questions over fire-safety arrangements at the hospital. Former Maharashtra minister and Congress leader Yashomati Thakur described the incident as shocking and alleged that shortcomings in the firefighting system may have contributed to the spread of the fire.
She also alleged that an inverter caught fire and questioned whether the firefighting equipment at the facility was adequately equipped to handle such an emergency.
The incident has prompted demands for a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire and the safety measures in place at the hospital.