Punjab Newsline | Amravati (Maharashtra)

Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra around 3:30 am on Monday. At the time, 39 newborns were admitted to the child care unit located on the hospital’s third floor. Thirty-six babies were rescued.

According to Amravati Police Commissioner Rakesh Ola, the NICU had three compartments, and nine newborns were admitted in the section where the fire spread. Three babies were caught in the blaze and died, while the remaining six were shifted to another facility for treatment. Their current condition has not yet been disclosed.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident and said strict action would be taken against those found responsible for negligence.

Chief Minister has also directed the Health Minister and Health Department Secretary to visit Amravati on Monday and assess the situation. The state government has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased newborns.