Five-day-old newborn among two infants who died after a late-night fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit; Telangana CM orders inquiry
Two infants, including a five-day-old newborn, died after a fire broke out at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad, Telangana, late Monday night.
Twenty-eight other children admitted to the ward were safely evacuated following the incident, according to fire officials.
Fire Breaks Out at Around 11:50 PM
The fire reportedly broke out at approximately 11:50 pm, following which a fire tender was rushed to RIMS after authorities received information about the blaze.
Fire personnel brought the situation under control and evacuated the children from the affected ward.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially established. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
One Infant Reportedly Died Due to Asphyxiation
Adilabad station fire officer D Jayatram said the children were present inside the ward when the fire broke out.
According to the preliminary assessment, the fire may have originated from an air-conditioning unit due to a short circuit. The ward reportedly filled with smoke rapidly, following which the children were evacuated.
One infant is believed to have died due to asphyxiation, while another infant died while undergoing treatment.
The exact circumstances and medical causes of the deaths remain subject to investigation.
28 Children Safely Evacuated
Fire personnel rescued and evacuated 28 children from the ward after the blaze was reported.
The fire was brought under control after the fire tender reached the hospital.
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possible source of the fire and the events leading to the deaths of the two infants.
Telangana Chief Minister Orders Inquiry
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed officials to submit a report on the cause of the fire.
The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased infants and directed officials to ensure appropriate medical treatment for the children who were undergoing care at the hospital.
Investigation Underway
Police and fire officials are examining the incident to determine the cause of the blaze and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
While a short circuit involving the AC unit has been cited as a preliminary possibility by a fire official, the cause has not been conclusively established.
Important Highlights
- Two infants died after a fire broke out at the SNCU of RIMS Adilabad.
- One of the deceased infants was reportedly five days old.
- The fire broke out at around 11:50 pm on Monday.
- Twenty-eight children were safely rescued and evacuated from the ward.
- A fire official cited a possible AC-related short circuit as the preliminary cause.
- Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
