Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra. The blaze erupted in the hospital’s neonatal care unit in the early hours of August 24, triggering an emergency evacuation of infants.
Ventilator Blast Suspected
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have started after a ventilator caught fire in the unit. Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff immediately began rescue operations and evacuated the newborns from the affected area.
As per the Hindustan Times report, three newborns died in the incident, while six others were rescued and shifted for further treatment.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also ordered a high-level inquiry.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the critical need for stringent fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in hospitals, particularly in high-risk neonatal and intensive care units.