Punjab Newsline | Telangana
Three newborn babies have died after a fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the government-run Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital in Telangana’s Adilabad district late Monday night.
According to officials, the blaze erupted around 11:50 pm while 27 infants were undergoing treatment in the neonatal care unit. Following the incident, the remaining 24 babies were shifted to different private hospitals, where they are currently receiving medical care. Authorities said one infant remains in critical condition, while the health of the others is being closely monitored.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by a malfunction in an air-conditioning unit, possibly leading to an explosion. However, officials said the exact cause will be determined only after a detailed investigation is completed.
Authorities stated that the first casualty was a five-day-old infant who died during the incident. A second newborn succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at a private hospital on Tuesday morning, while a third infant died later in the afternoon.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure advanced medical care for the affected infants. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and sought a report on the cause of the fire. The Chief Minister further instructed authorities to strengthen safety measures in hospitals to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident has once again raised concerns over hospital fire safety across the country. Media reports indicate that at least 25 people, including several newborns and patients, have lost their lives in hospital fire incidents in India this year.mes crown.
