Two infants killed in fire at Telangana's RIMS Adilabad newborn care unit, probe ordered

Two infants died after a fire broke out at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad, Telangana, shortly before midnight on Monday.

According to Adilabad Collector Rajarshi Shah, preliminary information suggests that an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit triggered the blaze. The AC reportedly exploded before flames and thick smoke spread through the ward. The exact cause of the fire, however, is yet to be established.

The incident prompted an immediate rescue operation by hospital staff, fire personnel, police and medical teams. Officials said the infants were moved out of the affected ward and taken to an adjoining unit as the fire spread.

Newborns evacuated amid thick smoke

Shah said 27 newborns were undergoing treatment at the time and 24 were affected by the fire. One infant died at the spot, while another died while receiving treatment. The remaining 22 affected children were provided medical care, according to the district administration.

Other reports said 28 newborns were evacuated from the unit, with some children subsequently shifted to private hospitals in Adilabad and others to Nizamabad, particularly where additional critical-care facilities were available. One of the deceased infants was reported to be five days old and another was a premature baby receiving ventilator support.

The fire caused panic among attendants, who rushed out carrying their children. Hospital staff switched off the power supply and moved the babies to safety. Some staff members and others reportedly had to break glass panels to evacuate infants from the smoke-filled ward.

Several infants developed health complications after being exposed to smoke. The affected children were moved to facilities with the medical and ventilator support required for their treatment.

Firefighters reached the hospital after the blaze was reported and brought it under control. Officials said the fire was prevented from spreading to other parts of the hospital.

Police examine safety arrangements

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining the hospital's electrical system, air-conditioning equipment and fire-safety arrangements to determine how the short circuit occurred and whether any safety lapses contributed to the deaths.

Shah and Adilabad Superintendent of Police Akhil Mahajan visited RIMS after the incident and reviewed the situation. They sought details from hospital staff about the circumstances leading to the fire.

The exact cause remains under investigation, with officials expected to examine whether the electrical and fire-safety systems were functioning properly when the blaze began.

Revanth Reddy orders inquiry

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed anguish over the deaths, describing the incident as extremely painful, and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

Reddy directed officials to ensure that all infants affected by the fire receive the best possible medical treatment and that their health is closely monitored.

He also ordered an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the fire and instructed authorities to strengthen fire and other safety measures in hospitals across Telangana to prevent similar incidents.

The investigation and assessment of safety arrangements at RIMS are continuing as authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.