Adilabad: A fire broke out in the neonatal care unit of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital in Adilabad, Telangana, late last night. Two newborns died in the incident.
The fire caused panic in the hospital. Smoke rapidly filled the unit where several newborns were being treated. Hospital staff and rescue teams immediately launched an operation to evacuate the babies safely.
Several newborns evacuated safely
Fire and other emergency teams arrived at the scene upon receiving information about the fire. According to officials, approximately 28 infants were evacuated from the affected unit. Those requiring further treatment were also shifted to other hospitals.
According to officials, one infant died on the spot, while another succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The other children affected by the smoke are being monitored by doctors.
Investigation into the cause of the fire continues
Firefighters, after a lot of effort, brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to other parts of the hospital. Initial information suggests an electrical fault in the air conditioning unit, although the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed.
Police and relevant officials are investigating the incident. The hospital’s electrical and fire safety systems are also being examined.
Chief Minister orders investigation
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the deaths of the newborns in the accident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased children. He directed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the affected children and ensure their constant monitoring.
The Chief Minister has also ordered an investigation into the incident and asked for a review of fire and electrical safety systems in hospitals.