It was a narrow escape for newborns at the Safdarjung Hospital, where a fire broke out on Monday morning in the nursery on the third floor.
It could have been a redux of Kolkata's AMRI Hospital tragedy, but for timely action by the hospital staff. The fire was noticed at around 4 am and the fire brigade was summoned. There were 16 babies in the nursery at the time, but no casualty was reported.
"This particular block of the hospital does not have a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS). During an earlier inspection by DFS officials, the hospital administration was informed about the shortcomings and a notice issued," said AK Sharma, chief of Delhi fire department.
"The fire broke out due to a short circuit in one of the air conditioners and smoke entered the nursery via the duct," he added. Ward 9 was affected and the newborns were shifted to ward 5.
Twelve fire engines were employed and the situation was under control within 15 minutes. "Corrective measures have been initiated to prevent further mishaps," an official of Safdarjung Hospital said.