3 newborns die as fire breaks out in hospital NICU in Amaravati; CM orders probe
Explosion in NICU ventilator likely reason; hospital launches internal inquiry into incident. The state government will provide Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance to the family of each deceased child, CM Devendra Fadnavis said
In a tragic incident, three newborns died in a fire that broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra’s Amravati district early on Monday (August 24).
NICU had 39 newborns
According to preliminary information, the fire erupted at around 3.30 am on the third floor of the hospital, reportedly following an explosion in a ventilator inside the neonatal unit. The exact reason behind the fire, however, is yet to be ascertained.
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After the blaze erupted, doctors, nurses and other staff on duty took the children out of the NICU. An India Today report said the NICU ward had 39 newborn babies when the fire broke out.
Three of the newborns died. Reports said six infants, who were rescued, have been shifted to the Super Speciality Hospital for further treatment. Their current condition is not known.
Internal probe underway
Reports said, the fire was brought under control by emergency response teams and hospital personnel.
The hospital has initiated an inquiry into the incident. India Today said hospital authorities are expected to examine the equipment and electrical systems inside the NICU to determine how the fire erupted.
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Relevant authorities will also check if fire safety measures and emergency protocols were in place at the hospital.
CM orders probe
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday expressed grief over the death of three infants and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
The state government will provide Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance to the family of each deceased child, Fadnavis said in a statement.
Fadnavis said the incident was "extremely tragic and heartbreaking" and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.
The health administration has been directed to conduct a high-level inquiry, the CM said, and assured that the strictest action would be taken against those found responsible for the tragedy.
He directed the state health minister and health secretary to visit Amravati on Monday to take stock of the situation.
Fadnavis also directed the Amravati district administration to ensure that the injured children receive treatment at government expense.