Fire Claims Lives of 7 Newborns at Delhi’s ‘Little Angels Hospital 12 newborns were rescued

A devastating fire broke out at the ‘Little Angels Hospital,’ a children’s hospital located in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area, late Saturday night. The blaze resulted in the tragic loss of at least seven newborns, leaving the community in mourning and emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at 11:32 pm, prompting a swift response with 16 fire tenders dispatched to the scene. Despite efforts to contain the fire, its intensity posed significant challenges, leading to a heartbreaking outcome.

Officials confirmed that twelve newborns were rescued from the hospital’s first floor amidst the chaos. However, despite immediate medical attention, seven infants succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment. Presently, five children are receiving medical care for injuries sustained during the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine its origin. In response to the tragedy, a case has been filed against the hospital’s owner, underscoring the importance of accountability and safety protocols.

Once the fire broke out, emergency services swiftly responded, but despite their efforts, the intensity of the blaze proved devastating. Six newborns were declared brought dead, while another infant tragically succumbed during treatment. Their bodies have been transferred to GTB Hospital for postmortem examinations.

Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Department, expressed concerns about the lack of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), suggesting that this oversight may have contributed to the severity of the incident. He also noted the presence of oxygen cylinders, speculating that their involvement could have exacerbated the situation.

Following the tragedy, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj offered condolences to the families affected by the devastating loss. He vowed to take strict action against any negligence, ensuring accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future. Bharadwaj emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and promised swift prosecution of those responsible.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, there is a renewed emphasis on the critical importance of fire safety protocols in all healthcare facilities. The tragic loss of these innocent lives serves as a poignant reminder of the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety regulations to prevent such calamities from recurring.

Efforts are underway to provide support to the affected families and to ensure that stringent measures are implemented to safeguard the well-being of patients and staff in healthcare establishments across the region. As investigations continue, authorities are committed to uncovering the root causes of the fire and to taking decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, describing the incident as “heart-rending” and pledging swift action to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The incident has reignited discussions on the importance of fire safety in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement and regular inspections to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Critical Need for Fire Safety Compliance in Hospitals

Every hospital must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned Fire Department before the building can be occupied. This NOC is not a one-time requirement; it must be renewed annually. These regulations are in place to ensure that safety standards are consistently maintained, minimizing the risk of fire-related tragedies that can endanger the lives of patients and staff.

Regrettably, many hospitals fail to prioritize this essential safety measure. Neglecting to obtain or renew the NOC poses serious risks, as demonstrated by the recent incident. Non-compliance with fire safety regulations jeopardizes the lives of vulnerable populations, including newborns, who are particularly susceptible to harm in emergencies.

As the investigation fire continues, authorities stress the critical importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in all healthcare establishments. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all patients. It underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent such disasters and ensure that hospitals remain safe havens for healing rather than sites of avoidable tragedy.

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