3 newborns killed in Amravati hospital fire, Fadnavis orders probe
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Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday ordered a high-level inquiry by the health administration into the deaths of three newborn babies in a fire at the District Women's Hospital in Amravati.
In a post on X, Fadnavis said the “strictest possible action” would be taken against those responsible and directed the Health Minister and Secretary to visit Amravati on Monday.
“The incident of the death of three children is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. We share in the grief of their families,” he said.
Fadnavis also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He directed the Amravati District Collector to ensure that the injured children receive treatment at government expense.
“Fortunately, 36 children were successfully rescued unharmed in this incident,” he said.
The Opposition, however, sharply criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government over the deaths. Three infants died after a devastating fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women's Hospital during the early hours. Six other children are currently undergoing treatment at a local Super Speciality Hospital.
NCP(SP) Working President and MP Supriya Sule described the incident as extremely heart-wrenching and alleged that it was not merely an accident but a glaring example of negligence in the system.
“Mothers and fathers eagerly await their baby, but to lose that child in such a manner - what ordeal must have befallen them is unimaginable,” she said.
Sule demanded a thorough investigation and the strictest action against those responsible. She also called for fire audits of all government and private hospitals in Maharashtra and safety audits of medical equipment.
She expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured newborns.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the incident was extremely heartbreaking and infuriating. He said initial reports indicated that the fire broke out following an explosion in a ventilator early in the morning.
“In a hospital where newborn babies are expected to receive safe and state-of-the-art treatment, the burning to death of innocent children in a fire is not merely an accident, but an incident that raises serious questions about the safety of the government health system,” he said.
Wadettiwar questioned whether there had been negligence in fire-safety arrangements, regular inspection of equipment and maintenance of oxygen and electrical systems.
“If there is negligence regarding fire safety arrangements in hospitals, regular inspection of equipment, and maintenance of oxygen and electrical systems, then whose responsibility is it?” he asked.
He said there should be no “drama of inquiry” after innocent lives are lost, and demanded that accountability be fixed and strict action taken against those responsible.
Wadettiwar also demanded justice and appropriate assistance for the families of the deceased. To prevent similar incidents, he called for an immediate audit of fire safety and medical equipment at all government hospitals across the state.
Maharashtra NCP(SP) chief Shashikant Shinde demanded action against the officers concerned.
Former minister Anil Deshmukh referred to the deaths of 10 newborn babies in a Bhandara hospital fire in January 2021, after which the government had constituted a high-level committee.
“Ironically, the committee's report is gathering dust. Had the government implemented the report, today's heartbreaking incident may have been averted,” he said.
Earlier, Amravati District Guardian Minister and Revenue Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule expressed deep anguish over the incident, offered condolences to the grieving families and assured them of full government support.
“I am deeply saddened by today's tragic incident in Amravati. My heart goes out to the affected families,” Bawankule said.
“I pay my solemn tributes to the departed newborns and pray that God gives their parents the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
Bawankule confirmed that a comprehensive inquiry had been ordered. District administration officials were instructed to closely monitor the situation, ensure uninterrupted medical care for the injured infants and provide all necessary assistance to the victims' families.
Emergency measures remained active at the site.
With IANS inputs