New Delhi (NVI): At least 10 newborn babies died in a massive fire that broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra’s Bhandara in the wee hours today.
The incident took place at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital at around 2 am, according to media reports.
Reportedly, there were 17 babies in the ICU ward, all were aged between a month and three months. Soon, fire brigade personnel rushed the spot and rescued seven babies from the ward of the unit but could not save the 10 other babies.
The cause of the fire in the four-storeyed building is not known but could have been the result of an electrical short circuit, as per the reports.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expressed grief over the death of newborn babies and ordered a probe.
The state Health Minister Rajesh Tope also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased in the fire incident at Bhandara district general hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and hoped for early recovery of those injured in 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,” PM Modi tweeted.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021
-RJV
