Tragic Blaze at Delhi Children’s Hospital: Crowds and Low-Hanging Wires Hamper Rescue Efforts

NEW DELHI – The firefighting and rescue operation at an east Delhi children’s hospital, which was engulfed in flames and resulted in the deaths of seven newborns, faced numerous challenges, including interference from crowds recording videos and the presence of low-hanging wires.

The fire, which broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar around 11:30 pm on Saturday, quickly spread to two adjacent buildings. While twelve newborns were successfully rescued from the facility, tragically, seven of them succumbed to the fire. Five babies are currently receiving treatment at another hospital.

“Several people had gathered at the spot and were recording videos of the fire. Many of them even came close to those trying to douse the flames,” a senior Delhi Fire Services official told PTI. The official emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from firefighting operations to ensure that the emergency personnel can work effectively.

The blaze not only consumed the hospital but also spread to a boutique, a private bank in a neighboring building, an eyeglass showroom, and a shop selling household items in another building. Additionally, a scooter, an ambulance, and part of a nearby park were also affected by the fire. Despite this, locals were standing between the park and the building, recording videos of the incident.

Controlling the crowd was one of the most significant challenges during the operation. Another major obstacle was the lack of a water source and the presence of low-hanging electrical wires, which hindered the firefighters’ efforts. The Delhi Fire Services is currently investigating whether the building had a valid fire no-objection certificate (NOC).

A senior police officer reported that the babies were rescued through a window behind the hospital with the help of other individuals. The infants were then transported to another hospital, where six were pronounced dead on arrival, and one passed away during treatment. The bodies have been sent to GTB Hospital for post-mortem examination.

In the aftermath, the owner of the Baby Care New Born Hospital, Naveen Kichi, has been apprehended. Delhi Police have registered an FIR against him under sections 336 and 304A.

Lt Governor VK Saxena has directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. “I have asked the chief secretary to institute an inquiry into the tragic incident at the children’s hospital in Delhi. Also instructed CP (commissioner of police) to ensure all that is needful,” Saxena said in a post on X. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.” Saxena assured necessary support and accountability for those responsible, stating, “I assure all relief and will ensure that the guilty are brought to book.”

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has also instructed the chief secretary to conduct a swift investigation into the fire incident.

In a gesture of support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to be provided to the families of each person who lost their life in the devastating fire. The funds will be allocated from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office on X, “In the wake of the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, the Prime Minister has announced that an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to each of those injured.”

PM Modi expressed his deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic event. In a post on X, he stated, “The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on providing support to the affected families and ensuring that such a tragic incident does not occur again. The fire has highlighted serious issues regarding fire safety standards and the preparedness of medical facilities to handle emergencies, calling for stricter regulations and better enforcement to protect vulnerable patients.