Fire Breaks Out in Neonatal Unit
A major tragedy occurred at the District Women's Hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, in the early hours of Monday.
The fire broke out in the neonatal care unit on the hospital's third floor at around 3:15–3:30 a.m. Initial reports indicate that a ventilator caught fire or exploded, triggering the blaze.
Three Newborns Killed
There were 39 newborn babies undergoing treatment in the Special Newborn Care Unit when the fire erupted.
Three infants died after suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation, officials said.
36 Babies Rescued
Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff immediately began an emergency evacuation.
Medical equipment was disconnected and the babies were moved away from the affected area. Officials said 36 newborns were rescued during the operation.
Six Infants Shifted for Treatment
Six infants who were seriously affected by the incident were shifted to a nearby super-speciality hospital for further medical care.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire.
A malfunction or fire involving a ventilator is suspected to have triggered the blaze, but officials have not yet established the precise cause.
Officials Reject Fire Audit Lapse
The Amravati district administration rejected suggestions that mandatory fire-safety audits had been skipped at the hospital.
The District Magistrate said the hospital had undergone regular fire audits and had also applied for this year's audit. The investigation is now focusing on the equipment suspected of triggering the fire.
Questions Over Fire Safety
The incident has raised fresh questions about fire-safety arrangements in neonatal and critical-care units.
Reports have also raised questions about whether fire alarms and sprinkler systems functioned properly during the incident. These aspects will have to be established through the official investigation.
High-Level Inquiry Ordered
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, according to reports.
The investigation is expected to examine the cause of the fire, safety arrangements at the hospital and whether there were any lapses in responsibility.
Families Devastated
Families who had brought their newborns to the hospital for treatment were left devastated after the tragedy.
PTI reported the case of a father who was searching the hospital for his one-day-old premature son after the fire, only to learn that the baby was among those who died.
Conclusion
Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the neonatal care unit of Amravati District Women's Hospital in Maharashtra.
Thirty-nine infants were undergoing treatment at the time, while hospital staff managed to rescue 36 of them. The cause of the fire and the adequacy of the hospital's safety systems are being investigated.
