A devastating fire broke out late Saturday night at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Shahdara, resulting in the deaths of seven newborns. The fire, which erupted around 11:30 p.m., spread rapidly following a blast in an oxygen cylinder, according to Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Director Atul Garg.
The incident occurred less than a day after a similar tragedy in Rajkot, Gujarat, where a fire at a gaming zone claimed 33 lives, including nine children.
Despite swift rescue efforts, twelve newborns were saved from the inferno, but six were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, and one more succumbed to injuries during treatment. The remaining five babies are currently receiving care at another facility. The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to GTB Hospital for postmortem examinations.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze and hold those responsible accountable. A senior police officer disclosed that action is being taken against the hospital owner, identified as Naveen Kichi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has vowed that those responsible for the negligence will face stringent consequences.
“The incident is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident,” Kejriwal stated. “The government and administration officials are providing treatment to the injured at the site. Whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared.
Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also expressed his sorrow over the tragic event, stating that a thorough and swift investigation has been ordered. “Very unfortunate incident reported. I have asked the Secretary of Health to update on the current situation. Culprits will not be spared,” he affirmed.
The tragic incident has garnered national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu offering their condolences to the bereaved families. “The fire tragedy at a hospital in east Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time,” PM Modi said.
President Murmu shared her grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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.”
As the investigation continues, Delhi officials are working to provide support to the affected families and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This tragic event underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in medical facilities to prevent such incidents in the future.
