A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded late on Saturday evening in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area when a fire erupted in a hospital, leading to the deaths of at least six newborn babies. The fire reportedly started due to an explosion in an oxygen cylinder within the hospital, causing the blaze to spread rapidly through the facility.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
The fire department responded with urgency, dispatching 14 fire trucks to combat the fierce blaze. Despite their efforts, the rescue operations were significantly hampered by the hospital’s infrastructure, which included limited access points and the absence of a fire escape, complicating the firefighters’ ability to reach the affected area quickly.
Casualties and Hospital Conditions
Senior police officer Surendra Choudhary reported that there were originally 12 babies in the unit at the time of the incident. Tragically, one of the infants had died before the fire started. The conditions inside the hospital at the time of the fire have raised serious concerns about safety protocols and emergency readiness in medical facilities.
Legal Actions and Investigations
In the aftermath of the fire, authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the hospital’s owner, who reportedly fled following the incident. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact causes of the fire and to identify any acts of negligence. Officials have vowed that those responsible for any oversight or misconduct will face consequences.
Community and Government Response
The local community and officials have expressed profound grief and shock over the incident, which has once again highlighted the critical importance of stringent safety measures in healthcare institutions. The government is likely to scrutinize and enforce stricter regulations to prevent such disasters in the future, ensuring that hospital facilities are safe for all patients and staff.
This tragic event has left a lasting impact on the families affected and has prompted a broader discussion about safety standards in hospitals across India.
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