Maharashtra hospital says fire safety protocols met after neonatal unit blaze

A fire swept through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women's Hospital in Maharashtra early Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of three newborns. The blaze erupted around 3:15 am on the third floor of the facility, with authorities indicating that a malfunctioning ventilator sparked the initial ignition.

Hospital officials stated that the facility had complied with all mandatory fire safety regulations and that recent audits showed no lapses in compliance. The administration emphasized that fire safety protocols were in place and operational at the time of the incident.

The fire prompted immediate evacuation procedures, though the three infants could not be saved. Emergency services responded to contain the blaze and prevent its spread to other sections of the hospital. The incident has renewed scrutiny of safety standards at medical facilities across the state.

Investigations into the exact cause of the ventilator malfunction are ongoing. Health authorities have indicated they will examine equipment maintenance records and operational procedures to determine whether any additional measures could have prevented the tragedy.