A fire broke out late on Saturday at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, claiming the lives of six new-born babies and leaving five others wounded. The tragedy, attributed to safety violations and lapses in protocol, has sparked outrage and grief among the community.
According to police reports, the fire likely originated from a short-circuit, triggering explosions in oxygen cylinders within the facility. The hospital, which was operating with an expired license and lacking essential safety certifications, was overcrowded beyond its permitted capacity. Additionally, the building lacked emergency exits and fire extinguishing equipment.
Heartbroken families rushed to the scene, desperately seeking information about their loved ones amidst the chaos. Anjar Khan, whose 11-day-old daughter perished in the blaze, expressed the profound loss, lamenting that he never got the chance to hold his child.
Amidst the tragedy, authorities swiftly moved to address the situation. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended their condolences to the grieving families. Both Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered thorough investigations into the incident to hold those responsible accountable.
The hospital owner, Naveen Khichi, was apprehended by authorities, along with an associate, for negligence and endangering lives. Khichi's history of legal issues, including a previous case involving assault on an infant, raised concerns about the hospital's management and operations.
Local residents played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, assisting firefighters in evacuating the babies from the engulfed building. Despite the valiant efforts, seven infants succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital, while five others remain in intensive care.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, calls for justice and accountability resonate loudly. Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for the victims' families, while Chief Minister Kejriwal vowed to ensure that all responsible parties are held to account for their negligence.