26 May 2024 , 16:29
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A ferocious overnight fire at a neonatal unit left seven newborn babies dead and another five injured.
Oxygen cylinders exploded during the tragedy in the capital of India, with the babies suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.
In total, twelve babies were rescued from the New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, but six were dead by the time they could be treated by medics.
The seventh is reported to have died this morning while being treated in intensive care.
Video from the scene of the fire shows fierce flames consuming the building, as bystanders shout from the street.
Surendra Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said: ‘There were twelve infants admitted to the hospital. After being saved, they were all sent to the East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital in Vivek Vihar to receive medical attention.
A medical ward of the children’s hospital lies in shambles a day after a fire blazed through it (Picture: AFP)
A woman cries as she waits outside a mortuary a day after a fire blazed through a children’s hospital (Picture: AFP)
‘Six of these babies were pronounced dead, while one baby passed away early in the morning.
‘The seven bodies have been moved to GTB Hospital for a postmortem.’
The fire on the first floor of the centre was extinguished in about an hour, said Suresh Kumar, a fire officer.
An investigation into the cause of the fire, which also spread to a residential building next door, is underway.
India’s president Droupadi Murmu said in a statement: ‘The news of the death of many children due to a fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi is heart-rending.
‘May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident.’
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj commented on the tragedy, stating in a post on X: ‘Very unfortunate incident reported. I have asked the Secretary (Health) to update me about the current situation.
‘Culprits will not be spared. Strictest punishment will be ensured for those found negligent or involved in any wrongdoing.’