AMRAVATI: A fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit of a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Amravati claimed the lives of three newborn babies in the early hours of Monday, while dozens of other infants were rushed to safety during an emergency evacuation.
The incident occurred at the Amravati District Women’s Hospital, where 39 newborns were receiving treatment in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the time of the fire.
According to preliminary information, the blaze broke out at around 3:30 am on the third floor of the hospital. The fire was reportedly triggered after a ventilator exploded, although the exact cause of the incident is expected to be examined as part of the investigation.
Hospital staff, including doctors and nurses, immediately launched an evacuation operation. Medical equipment was disconnected, and infants were moved away from the affected area as emergency responders worked to bring the situation under control.
Three newborns could not be saved after reportedly suffering severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation. Six other critically affected infants were shifted to a nearby Super Speciality Hospital for further treatment.
Amravati Police Commissioner Rakesh Ola said the Special Newborn Care Unit consists of three separate sections, including facilities for babies born at the hospital, infants referred from other medical centres, and children receiving step-down care before discharge. A total of 39 newborns were admitted across these sections when the fire broke out.
Senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, reached the hospital shortly after the incident. Authorities have begun examining the circumstances that led to the fire and the response to the emergency.
A high-level inquiry has also been ordered to investigate possible administrative or safety lapses and determine responsibility for the tragedy.
The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness at healthcare facilities, particularly in specialised units where critically ill newborns depend on continuous medical support.
