3 babies dead after ventilator blast causes massive fire at Maharashtra hospital

Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women's Hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, early Monday morning.The fire reportedly broke out at around 3.30 am in the NICU located on the hospital's third floor. According to preliminary information, the blaze may have started following an explosion in a ventilator. The exact cause of the fire, however, is yet to be established and will be determined after an investigation.Around 39 newborn babies were reportedly admitted to the NICU when the fire broke out.HOSPITAL STAFF LAUNCH RESCUE OPERATIONAs soon as the fire was noticed, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff on duty began evacuation and rescue efforts. The spread of flames and smoke created panic inside the hospital, with staff members working to move the newborns to safer areas.Several babies were successfully evacuated from the affected unit. However, three newborns sustained severe burn injuries and died in the incident, according to preliminary information. Around six other babies were shifted to a super-speciality hospital for further treatment.The condition of the injured newborns was not immediately known.INVESTIGATION UNDERWAYFollowing the incident, emergency response teams and hospital personnel worked to bring the fire under control and secure the affected area.The hospital administration has initiated an inquiry into the incident. Authorities are also expected to examine the equipment and electrical systems inside the NICU to determine how the fire started.Preliminary information has pointed towards a possible ventilator-related incident, but officials have not yet established the exact cause.The incident has raised concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness at the hospital, particularly given the presence of critically ill newborns in the NICU.Authorities will also examine whether all required fire-safety measures and emergency protocols were in place and whether they were followed during the incident.Further details regarding the identities of the deceased newborns, the condition of those undergoing treatment and the circumstances surrounding the fire are awaited.Preliminary information has pointed towards a possible ventilator-related incident, but officials have not yet established the exact cause.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Aug 24, 2026 07:54 IST