MP: 3 newborns injured after fire breaks out in NICU at Chhindwara District Hospital

Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 22 (ANI): Three newborns sustained burn injuries after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Chhindwara District Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, officials said.

Civil Surgeon of the district hospital, Kanchan Dubey said the incident occurred at around 1:50 am when a spark in the filament of a warmer used in the NICU caused the equipment to catch fire, resulting in burn injuries to three newborns.

“At around 1:50 AM, a spark occurred in the filament of a warmer used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), causing the warmer to catch fire. Consequently, three newborns sustained burns. Specialists were called in to examine them, including the Dean and Medical Superintendent of the Chhindwara District Medical College. Following the assessment, all three newborns were referred to Jabalpur Medical College for advanced treatment” Dubey told ANI.

She also clarified that the warmer was not faulty and that its maintenance was being carried out. The sparking occurred specifically in the filament that generates heat.

“There were 30 other children there, making a total of 33. Three babies were affected and the remaining 30 were immediately shifted to safety by our staff, including nurses and guards, who acted promptly and saved their lives,” she said.

Speaking about negligence, Civil Surgeon Dubey said an administrative investigation would be done to ascertain whether there was any lapse.

“The administrative officers will come and conduct their own investigation. I do not see any negligence at this stage. It appears to be an accident,” she said.

Following the fire, the remaining newborns were shifted to another unit. Hospital staff, including electricians, stayed at the site for around two hours and checked the other machines before the babies were brought back.

She added that the warmers undergo annual maintenance and records are maintained. Though the exact reason for the sparking in the filament could not yet be ascertained. (ANI)