A devastating fire broke out at the New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar, New Delhi, resulting in the tragic loss of seven precious lives. The incident occurred on Saturday night, leaving the community in shock and grief.
The Tragic Incident in Delhi Children’s Hospital
According to reports, the fire erupted late in the evening, engulfing the hospital premises and an adjacent residential building. Among the victims were newborn babies who were already vulnerable due to their delicate health. Here are the key details:
- Number of Victims: There were a total of 12 newborns in the hospital at the time of the fire. Sadly, one baby had already passed away, and six more lost their lives during the incident. The remaining five infants were immediately transferred to another hospital for urgent medical care.
- Owner’s Responsibility: The hospital owner, Naveen Kichi, is currently absconding. Delhi Police has registered an FIR against him under sections 336 (endangering life of others), 304A (death by negligence), and 34 (criminal activity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Rescue Efforts: Authorities acted swiftly, rescuing all 12 babies from the burning hospital. Tragically, six of them were declared brought dead, and one had already succumbed earlier. The seven bodies have been sent to GTB Hospital for postmortem examination.
Investigation and Cause
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. But initial reports suggest that an oxygen cylinder blast may have triggered the inferno. Atul Garg, Chief of Delhi Fire Services, stated that it was a challenging operation due to multiple cylinder explosions. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and rescue the infants.
Delhi Community in Mourning
The incident has left the local community devastated, with parents and families grieving the loss of their newborns. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” He assured that those responsible would not go unpunished.
Immediate Actions
As investigations continue, authorities are examining safety protocols, fire prevention measures, and the hospital’s compliance with regulations. The tragedy underscores the need for stringent safety standards in healthcare facilities, especially those catering to vulnerable populations.
May the departed souls rest in peace, and may justice prevail for the innocent lives lost.
