At least 10 babies died and 16 are fighting for their lives due to a fire that engulfed the neonatology department of a hospital in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Indian news agency PTI reported, quoted by BTA, citing of local authorities.
The likely cause of the fire is a short circuit.
The fire spread quickly in the ward, in which there were 55 babies, AP reported.
State Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the hospital today and met the families of the injured children. He promised government support for the victims' families and promised a thorough investigation.
„We will find those responsible for this tragedy and take strict action. The government is supporting families at this difficult time,” he said.
When firefighters arrived, the unit was engulfed in flames and billows of smoke. Rescuers had to break windows to reach the newborn babies. Eyewitnesses say the rescue operation began about 30 minutes after the fire broke out, delaying evacuation efforts, AP said.