2 infants die after fire breaks out at RIMS Adilabad neonatal unit

Adilabad: Two infants, including a five-day-old newborn, died after a fire broke out at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad late Monday night, while 28 children admitted to the ward were safely rescued and evacuated, fire officials said.

The incident occurred at around 11:50 pm, following which a fire tender was rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze. The fire was subsequently brought under control.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.

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According to a fire official, "A fire broke out at RIMS Hospital last night in Adilabad around 11:50 pm. One fire tender reached the spot and brought the fire under control. A five-day-old newborn lost its life in the fire, and we safely rescued 28 children from a ward and brought them out safely", reports ANI.

Speaking to TOI, Adilabad station fire officer D Jayatram said that the children were present in the ward when the fire broke out. “The fire appears to have originated from the AC due to a short-circuit. The ward quickly filled with smoke, and the children were evacuated. While one infant is believed to have died due to asphyxiation, the other one passed away while undergoing treatment,” he added.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed officials to submit a report on the cause of the fire.

According to the release by the Chief Minister's office, Reddy conveyed his condolences to the families of the infants and directed officials to ensure better medical treatment for the children undergoing treatment at the hospital.

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