Tragedy struck the Indian capital of Delhi when a relentless inferno engulfed the New Born Baby Care hospital, claiming the lives of six innocent newborns. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded late on Saturday evening, as flames rapidly consumed the children's hospital, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply moved by the catastrophe, took to social media to express his profound sorrow, describing the fire and the resulting deaths as "heart-rending."
In the face of the raging blaze, the fire department was swiftly summoned to the scene. However, in those critical first moments, it was the courageous actions of bystanders that made a difference. These valiant individuals, driven by an unwavering sense of urgency, charged into the flames, risking their own lives to rescue the helpless infants trapped within the hospital's walls. Through their selfless efforts, 12 newborns were successfully brought to safety, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Senior police officer Surendra Choudhary, in a statement, commended the bravery of these everyday heroes, stating, "All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people." Tragically, despite the swift medical attention they received, six of the rescued infants succumbed to their injuries, their young lives cut short by the merciless flames. The loss of these innocent lives has left the nation reeling, with many questioning how such a catastrophe could have occurred.
The fire at the New Born Baby Care hospital was not an isolated incident on that fateful day. Just hours earlier, another devastating blaze had ripped through an amusement park in the western state of Gujarat, claiming the lives of 27 individuals, including four children. The fire, which tore through a centre housing a bowling alley and other games, left behind a scene of unimaginable horror. Police warned that the intensity of the flames had rendered many of the bodies so badly burned that identification would be a daunting task.
Fires, unfortunately, are not uncommon in India, often attributed to poor building practices, overcrowding, and a blatant disregard for safety regulations. In the case of the New Born Baby Care hospital, legal action is being pursued against the owner, although the specific details of how the babies lost their lives remain undisclosed. Shockingly, it was revealed that one of the 12 infants brought out of the ward had already perished before the fire even began, adding another layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking situation.
Atul Garg, the director of Delhi's fire department, spoke to the Press Trust of India news agency, revealing that 14 fire trucks were dispatched to combat the hospital blaze. He attributed the rapid spread of the flames to a devastating oxygen cylinder blast, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety measures in place at medical facilities and the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the nation grapples with the immense loss of young lives, Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. In a message on social media, he declared, "We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident." Kejriwal assured the public that a thorough investigation into the causes of the incident was underway and vowed that those responsible for any negligence would face the full force of the law.
Prime Minister Modi, in his message of support, acknowledged the unimaginable pain and suffering endured by the families who lost their babies. He offered his thoughts and prayers, stating, "My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest." The nation stands united in mourning, as the loss of these innocent lives serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.
