New Delhi: A devastating fire at a children's hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area late Saturday night resulted in the deaths of seven newborns, with several others critically injured. The blaze, which broke out around 11:32 pm, prompted a rapid response from the Delhi Fire Services, who dispatched 16 fire tenders to the scene.
Firefighters were able to rescue 12 newborns from the first floor of the hospital, but tragically, seven of these infants succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment. Five other children are currently being treated, and their condition remains critical.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and authorities have filed a case against the hospital's owner. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the incident as "heart-rending" and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. "The causes of the incident are being investigated, and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Local Heroes and Immediate Response
In a commendable act of bravery, local residents reportedly ran into the burning hospital to help rescue the trapped infants, risking their own lives in the process. Their efforts, along with those of the fire services, helped prevent the loss of more lives.
Government and Public Reaction
The fire has sparked a wave of condolences and calls for accountability from various quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, labeling it as "heart-rending." President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families.
Parallel Incidents
The same night saw another fire-related tragedy in Delhi's Krishna Nagar, where a blaze in a residential building claimed three lives. The Delhi Fire Services chief, Atul Garg, reported that the fire call was received at 2:35 am, and the fire was controlled by 7:20 am. Despite rescuing 13 people, three were declared dead due to severe injuries.
Earlier in the day, a massive fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, resulted in the deaths of 27 people, including nine children. This series of fire incidents has raised serious concerns about fire safety regulations and emergency preparedness in public and private buildings.
Call for Action
The tragic events have highlighted the urgent need for stringent fire safety measures and regular audits to prevent such disasters. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing safety norms to protect lives and property.
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In Summary
The fire at the children's hospital in Delhi is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our safety systems. As investigations continue, there is a collective hope that such tragedies can be prevented in the future through better regulation and awareness. The community's resilience and the quick action of the fire services stand as a testament to the spirit of solidarity in times of crisis.