Maharashtra: Three newborns killed in NICU fire at Amravati government hospital

Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Amravati district early on Monday, triggering the emergency evacuation of dozens of infants.

The blaze reportedly erupted at around 3.15 am on the third floor of the District Women’s Hospital following an explosion in a ventilator. Thirty-nine newborns were receiving treatment in the hospital’s Special Newborn Care Unit at the time.

Three infants died after sustaining severe burns and inhaling smoke, according to preliminary information.

Doctors, nurses and other hospital employees rushed to the unit and began moving the newborns to safety. Medical equipment was disconnected as staff evacuated the babies from the affected section.

Six newborns whose condition was critical were transferred to a nearby super-speciality hospital for further treatment.

Further details about the cause of the fire and the condition of the remaining infants are awaited.

With PTI inputs