3 Newborns Die In Fire At Maharashtra’s Amravati Hospital, 6 Injured

Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, during the early hours of Monday.

The fire reportedly broke out at around 3.30 am on the third floor of the hospital’s recently constructed building. Six other infants are undergoing treatment at a local Super Speciality Hospital.

Ventilator Explosion Reportedly Triggered Fire

According to preliminary information, an explosion in a ventilator reportedly triggered the fire, following which thick smoke quickly spread through the NICU.

The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been established, and authorities are investigating whether the ventilator suffered a technical failure or had other issues.

Doctors, nurses and hospital staff reportedly rushed to the NICU and rescued several infants after the fire was detected.

The third floor houses three NICU wards with a combined capacity of 39 beds. The affected unit reportedly had between nine and 12 high-risk premature babies receiving critical care at the time of the incident.

Questions Over Fire Safety Arrangements

The tragedy has raised questions over the hospital's emergency preparedness and fire safety systems. The building was reportedly inaugurated about a year ago, but the automated fire suppression system allegedly failed to activate during the incident.

Authorities are examining the condition and maintenance of the ventilator and are also looking into the response of the fire brigade and hospital staff after the fire broke out.

Senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, reached the hospital following the incident.

High-Level Inquiry Ordered

The district administration has ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and fix responsibility for any administrative or safety lapses.

Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Amravati District Guardian Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule expressed condolences to the families of the deceased infants and assured them of government support.

Officials have been directed to monitor the situation, ensure continued treatment for the injured infants and provide necessary assistance to the affected families.

The investigation into the cause of the fire and the alleged safety lapses is underway.