RIMS-Adilabad fire: Death toll rises to three after 20-day-old baby dies
The death toll from the fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS)-Adilabad rose to three on Tuesday after a 20-day-old baby died during treatment at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Nizamabad.
According to officials, the baby died at around 9 am after being shifted to the Nizamabad hospital when her condition deteriorated. She was among five infants who became critically ill after inhaling toxic fumes released when the air-conditioners (ACs) exploded following an electrical short-circuit.
The incident occurred late Monday night. A five-day-old baby of Saleem Ahmed, a resident of Hyderabad, died at the spot after losing consciousness. Another infant died at a private hospital in Adilabad early Tuesday while receiving treatment. Four other newborns were hospitalised after inhaling the toxic gases.
The identities of the three infants who died have not yet been established, officials said. Three other babies admitted to different private hospitals in Adilabad continue to be in serious condition. Around 30 infants were in incubators at the SNCU when the incident took place, while the condition of the remaining babies was reported to be stable.
The explosion of the ACs caused thick smoke and toxic gases to spread through the SNCU, resulting in deaths and injuries. RIMS authorities have ordered an inquiry to determine what caused the incident. They said action would be taken against officials if the inquiry finds any negligence. (with inputs from media organisations)
