In a shocking incident, 10 infants died in a fire that broke in the Bhandara District Hospital in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra on Saturday, January 9. According to reports, seven children were rescued, said Bhandara district administration.
The fire broke out at the sick newborn care unit (SBCU) of the Bhandara District Hospital around 2 am, reports suggested.
However, the senior doctors of the district have rushed to the hospital. The Bhandara district administration will be sending an initial report to the Maharashtra government by the day.
Besides, the Maharashtra government has ordered an audit of all neonatal care units of all hospitals of the state.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered an inquiry into the Bhandara District General Hospital fire that took the life of 10 infants.
Expressing his grief over the incident, Health Minister Tope said he will visit the incident site at 5 pm. The state Health Minister Rajesh Tope also announced a compensation of INR 5 lakhs for the kin of children who died in the fire. While speaking to the press he also mentioned that the prima facie of the fire was a short circuit. Furthermore, Tope clarified that out of the 10 new borns that died in this incident, 3 died due to fire while 7 died due to smoke.
As per a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office, Thackeray expressed deep sorrow over the death of infants who died in the fire at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the hospital.
A statement released by the CMO stated that "Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has expressed deep sorrow over the death of newborn babies in a fire that broke out in a child care unit at the district hospital in Bhandara. As soon as he came to know about the incident, he spoke to Health Minister Rajesh Tope and directed an immediate inquiry into the whole incident. The Chief Minister has also spoken to the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police and they too have been directed to investigate.
भंडारा येथील जिल्हा रुग्णालयात शिशू केअर युनिटला लागलेल्या आगीत नवजात अर्भकांच्या झालेल्या मृत्यूबद्दल मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांनी तीव्र दुःख व्यक्त केले आहे.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 9, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped for early recovery of those injured. "Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible," he tweeted.
Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: “The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to the Maharashtra Government to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured and deceased.”
The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 9, 2021
My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives.
I appeal to Maha Govt to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured & deceased.
Maharashtra Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded an immediate probe in the fire incident. "I demand an immediate probe in the fire incident at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital. I have also asked the government to take strict action against the culprits," he said.
Fire incident at the Bhandara District Hospital,where about 10 children lost lives is very painful & disturbing.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 9, 2021
My deep condolences to the families who suffered such irreparable loss.
This incident should be properly investigated & strict action be taken against the culprits.
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