10 Babies Killed in Hospital Fire in Maharashtra; PM Modi Says Heart-wrenching Tragedy

State health minister Rajesh Tope said Rs 5 lakh would be paid to the family members of each of the deceased infants according to CM Thackeray’s decision.

MUMBAI: In an unfortunate incident, 10 newborn babies were found dead after a fire broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra in the wee hours of January 9.

According to reports, the incident occurred at around 2 AM.

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "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."

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

Reportedly, Seventeen babies were admitted at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the four-storeyed hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara district at the time of the incident.

While seven of them, who were admitted to the inborn ward of the unit, were rescued by the fire brigade officials and those in the outbound ward couldn't be rescued, died eventually due to suffocation.

A doctor of the hospital quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "Ten children died in a fire that broke out at the SNCU of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am today. Seven children were rescued from the unit," District civil surgeon Pramod Khandate said.

"Our staff extinguished the fire as soon as they could. The smoke led to the babies suffocating," the doctor added.

Preliminary investigation hints short circuit to have set off the blaze, however, the actual cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered a probe in the entire incident and spoke to the district collector and police superintendent to investigate the matter.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also tweeted condolences.

The fire accident in Bhandara district hospital, Maharashtra is very unfortunate. I am pained beyond words. My thoughts and condolences are with bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 9, 2021

Spoke to Maharashtra Health Minister Sh @rajeshtope11 ji regarding the most unfortunate incident at Bhandara district hospital where innocent children died in a fire incident. Deepest condolences to the families. Prayers for the safety of innocent new borns who could be rescued. https://t.co/p9r0MIIT1W
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 9, 2021

Notably, the fire broke out around 12.30 am in the ICU ward located on the first floor of the four-storey Uday Shivanand Hospital in Anand Bungalow Chowk area, where around 31 patients were admitted.

"Out of the 11 coronavirus patients admitted to the ICU ward, five lost their lives in the fire", said Rajkot Police Commissioner.

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