A 5-Day-Old Baby Dies in Hospital Fire Caused by AC Explosion

A fire broke out in the newborn care unit of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad, Telangana, late on Monday night after an air-conditioning unit reportedly malfunctioned. The incident led to the death of a five-day-old baby and the emergency evacuation of other newborns.

The fire reportedly started at around 11.40 p.m. after an electrical short circuit affected the AC unit. The malfunction caused flames and thick smoke to spread through the newborn ward, creating a dangerous situation for the babies receiving treatment there.

According to Adilabad District Collector Rajarshi Shah, 24 babies were present in the unit when the incident occurred. Hospital staff, along with fire, police and medical personnel, immediately began rescue operations and moved the babies out of the affected area.

One five-day-old infant died during the evacuation process. The remaining 23 babies were shifted to different hospitals for further treatment and are being monitored by paediatricians. Three security personnel were also reported to be receiving medical treatment.

Firefighters reached the hospital soon after receiving the emergency call and brought the blaze under control. Their quick response helped prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the hospital.

The incident caused panic among the parents and hospital staff, particularly because the affected unit was caring for vulnerable newborn babies. Officials reached the hospital and reviewed the rescue operation and medical arrangements for the children.

Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether there were any safety lapses. Officials are also monitoring the health of the babies who were shifted to other hospitals.

The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in hospitals, particularly in units where critically ill newborns require specialised care. The investigation is expected to establish how the fire started and whether additional safety measures are needed.