ICU fire: 4-day-old infant dies of suffocation at Gujarat Hospital, 2 critical

Palanpur: In a major fire that broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private children's hospital in Sihori town of Kankrej taluka in Banaskantha district, a four-day-old newborn baby died while two other babies suffered severe burn injuries and have been rescued from the ward. 

The condition of the injured babies was reported to be in a critical stage. However, their condition has improved after being admitted to a hospital in Deesa. 

While it was not immediately known what caused the fire, eyewitnesses said an electrical short-circuit triggered the blaze at Honey Children's Hospital, said Block Health Officer Brijesh Vyas.

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The fire started in the early hours in the hospital in Shihori town of Banaskantha district, following which smoke entered the ICU ward where three children were admitted, said Deputy Superintendent of Police DT Gohil.

"Due to the smoke, a four-day-old baby died of suffocation, while two other children were rescued by the hospital staff as well as police. Both of them were shifted to a hospital in Deesa. We have registered an accidental death (AD) case and started investigations," said Gohil.

According to Vyas, the condition of both the rescued children, who also inhaled smoke, was stable. "According to some eyewitnesses, the fire was caused by a short-circuit. However, the exact cause was still a matter of investigation," added the health office.

As per a recent media report in TOI, Dr Rathod, who reportedly refused to admit one of the infants, was transferred pending an inquiry.

Chaos erupted at the hospital, with angry villagers blaming the ICU doctor for negligence while the doctor said angry villagers tried to break ICU doors.

A group of angry villagers protested outside the hospital, demanding strict action against those responsible for the incident. Following this, police reached the spot to control the situation.  

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