Amravati: Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra early Monday, triggering an emergency evacuation of infants from the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU).
Fire breaks out in newborn care unit
The fire reportedly erupted around 3.30 am after a ventilator exploded on the third floor, where 39 newborns were receiving treatment across three sections of the SNCU.
The three babies who died suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation. Six other critically affected infants were shifted to a nearby Super Speciality Hospital for further treatment.
Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff immediately rushed to the ward and began moving the newborns to safety. Medical equipment was disconnected as the infants were evacuated from the affected area.
Inquiry ordered into hospital safety
Senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, reached the hospital soon after the incident. Authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and establish whether administrative or safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.
Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Amravati district guardian minister Chandrashekar Bawankule expressed condolences to the families and assured them of government support.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule called the incident deeply distressing and demanded a thorough investigation. She also urged authorities to conduct fire and medical equipment safety audits in government and private hospitals across Maharashtra.
Former minister and Congress leader Yashomati Thakur also described the incident as shocking and raised concerns about the hospital’s firefighting arrangements.
The tragedy has renewed attention on fire preparedness and the safety of critical medical equipment in hospitals, particularly units caring for vulnerable newborns.