Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Amravati Hospital Fire Prompts Shift of 36 Newborns
A fire started in the hospital unit where newborn babies were being cared for.
Staff quickly moved 36 babies to a safer place.
Officials said none of the babies were known to be hurt.
They moved the babies because smoke can be dangerous for their lungs.
One baby went back to the mother after doctors watched the baby.
The other babies stayed in hospitals and were monitored.
A government committee will investigate why the fire happened.
Officials gave different information about when the investigation report will be ready.
Thirty-six newborns were moved to safety after a fire broke out in the NICU of Amravati District Women’s Hospital.
Authorities said no babies were reported injured, but they were concerned smoke could affect their lungs.
One baby was returned to the mother after observation, while the others remained admitted and monitored.
The hospital’s fire audit was due to expire on August 21, and officials said renewal discussions were underway.
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar ordered a high-level inquiry; he said a report was expected within eight days.
- Who
- Thirty-six newborns, hospital staff, District Civil Surgeon Dr Vinod Pawar, and Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar were involved in the response.
- What
- A fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, prompting the transfer of 36 newborns and a high-level inquiry.
- When
- The incident was reported on Tuesday; the hospital’s fire audit was due to expire on August 21.
- Where
- Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra.
- Why
- The babies were moved because authorities feared smoke from the fire could affect their lungs.
Minister’s Announcement
Civil Surgeon’s Qualification
Inquiry timeline
Minister’s Announcement
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said the high-level committee’s report was expected within eight days.
Civil Surgeon’s Qualification
Civil Surgeon Dr Vinod Pawar said the committee would decide when to begin its investigation and how long the report would take, and he could not give a definite timeline.
- Babies shifted
- 36 newborns
- Reported injuries
- No information about babies being injured
- Post-incident care
- One baby was returned to the mother after observation; the others remained admitted and monitored
- Fire audit
- Due to expire on August 21
- Inquiry
- A high-level committee was constituted
- Expected report
- The health minister said a report was expected within eight days
- Audit follow-up
- The hospital administration had written to the Public Works Department’s Electrical Department, with discussions underway