A devastating fire at the New Born Baby Care hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area claimed the lives of six newborn babies on Saturday night.
Despite the efforts of people who rushed into the burning building to rescue the infants, six of the 12 rescued babies succumbed to their injuries.
According to AFP, senior police officer Surendra Choudhary, legal action is being taken against the hospital owner, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
“All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people,” senior police officer Surendra Choudhary said in a statement, but adding that when they reached medical attention, six were dead.
“Legal action is being taken against the owner of the hospital,” Choudhary said.
The fire, which spread quickly due to an oxygen cylinder blast, was battled by 14 fire trucks.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his condolences, calling the situation “heartbreaking.” He assured that those responsible for the negligence would be held accountable.
Delhi Fire Department Director Atul Garg said 14 fire trucks were sent to battle the blaze, he told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency.
“The fire spread too fast due to a blast in an oxygen cylinder,” he told PTI.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the situation “heartbreaking”.
“We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident,” he said on social media.
“The causes of the incident are being investigated, and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared.”
