Politics Intensifies Over Bhandara Fire Incident Which Claimed Lives Of 10 Infants; Opposition Demands Probe

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded detailed probe in the Maharashtra’s Bhandara fire accident which claimed lives of at least 10 infants.

Photo: PTI

In a heart-wrenching tragedy, ten newborn children, aged between a month and three months, died after fire broke out at the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) of Bhandara Civil Hospital, some 65 kms from Nagpur, on Saturday early morning. According to the sources, three of the ten infants died of burn injuries while seven others died of suffocation caused by smoke. The cause of the fire has not been completely clear yet, but sources are telling that the fire occurred due to a short circuit. While many leaders, ministers and politicians including PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah extended condolences over the tragic incident, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded detailed probe in the matter. "We demand a detailed probe and those responsible should be charged with murder. If there're any more such hospitals in Maharashtra, they should undergo a fire safety audit. The government must pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to kin of deceased," Fadnavis on Bhandara fire incident said.

Meanwhile, taking cognizance of the incident, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope announced to provide ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to the kin of the deceased. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has ordered an audit of all hospitals on an urgent basis. According to the information, a total of 17 children were present in the ICU ward, out of which 10 could not be saved. When the nurse on duty opened the door and saw smoke all around the room, she immediately told the hospital officials. After which the fire brigade reached the spot and started the rescue operation with the help of people in the hospital.