Three Newborns Die in Fire at Amravati Government Hospital
A ventilator spark in the Special Newborn Care Unit triggered the blaze early Monday. Staff evacuated dozens of other infants.
Amravati1 min read
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Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit of the District Women's Hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, early on Monday.
A ventilator on the third floor sparked around 3.15 a.m., starting the fire. Hospital staff on duty evacuated the remaining infants. Six other babies were shifted to a super speciality hospital. One remains in critical condition with burns to the hands and legs. Three others sustained minor burns.
The unit that caught fire held nine babies. The three SNCUs at the hospital have a combined capacity of 39. Police Commissioner Rakesh Ola confirmed 36 newborns were rescued overall.
Maharashtra government ordered a high-level probe. District Surgeon Dr Vinod Pawar said some infants were also admitted to Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Medical College Hospital.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining equipment safety in public neonatal facilities during monsoon season when humidity and electrical loads rise.
