Bhandara fire incident: PM Modi condoles demise of newborns in heart-wrenching tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of newborns who died in a tragic fire that broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra at 2 am on Saturday. Ten children were reported dead in the fire that broke out on the hospital premises while 7-8 children were rescued so far, according to Pramod Khandate, a civil surgeon in Bhandara. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi expressed grief and condoled the demise of the newborns in the heart-wrenching tragedy. 

READ | 10 Children Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out At A Hospital In Maharashtra's Bhandara

Speaking about the incident, Bhandara SP said that the hospital authorities informed that the 10 children died due to suffocation caused by the fire outbreak. Authorities further informed that when the nurse on duty opened the Intensive Care Unit door and saw a large amount of smoke in the room, he immediately informed the hospital authorities, after which a fire brigade was called. 

PM Modi expresses grief after Bhandara fire tragedy

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India's Tally At 1,04,13,417; PM-CM Meet On Vaccine Rollout

Maharashtra CM orders urgent probe 

Following the tragic incident, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter and has directed the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police to investigate into the case. State health minister Rajesh Tope announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased in the fire accident at the hospital in Bhandara and is also scheduled to visit the hospital at 5 pm on Saturday. The state's opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis called for an immediate probe into the accident and demanded the culprits to be strictly punished while also expressing grief over the tragic accident. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh ordered Bhandara SP to file a primary report and is also scheduled to visit the hospital on Sazturday. 

Speaking to ANI, Bhandara District Collector Sandip Kadam said, "the fire that broke out at around 2 AM claimed lives of 10 children. But we have been able to save the lives of 7 children. A technical committee will investigate to ascertain the reason behind the fir."

READ | MEA Lambasts Pakistan's Farcical Action Against Masood Azhar & Lakhvi, Cites FATF Motive

President Kovind, HM Shah express grief

 READ | Centre Creates 'Know Your Constitution' Campaign Framework For Schools, Colleges