1 week ago
Chhindwara NICU Warmer Fire Injures Three Newborns, One Dies
A machine used to keep newborn babies warm caught fire in a hospital.
The fire happened in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, during the early morning of August 22.
Three babies were inside the machine and were burned.
Hospital workers quickly removed them and treated them.
They also moved 30 other babies away from the fire.
The workers shut an oxygen connection because it could have made the fire more dangerous.
The three babies were sent by ambulance to a hospital in Jabalpur because a pediatric surgeon was not available in Chhindwara.
Reports disagree about what happened afterward: some say one baby died during the journey, while others describe all three as being transferred for treatment.
Officials are investigating whether a spark, technical defect, or short circuit caused the fire.
A warmer caught fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Chhindwara District Hospital around 1:30–2 a.m. on August 22, 2026.
Three newborns, aged six to 12 days according to one report, were inside the warmer and suffered burn injuries.
Staff removed the infants, extinguished the fire, provided first aid, and evacuated the unit’s other 30 newborns.
The injured babies were sent by ambulance to Jabalpur Medical College Hospital because Chhindwara lacked a pediatric surgeon.
Reports differ on the outcome: several say all three were transferred, while officials cited by one report said one infant died en route and two remained injured.
- Who
- Three newborns, hospital staff, doctors, Chhindwara District Hospital officials, and the other 30 infants in the unit were involved. One report said the affected babies were six to 12 days old.
- What
- A warmer caught fire in the NICU, injuring three newborns and prompting the evacuation of 30 other infants.
- Where
- The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Chhindwara District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh; the injured babies were referred to Jabalpur Medical College Hospital.
- When
- Around 1:30–2 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026; reports differ on the exact time.
- Why
- A spark in the warmer’s heating filament was identified as the immediate trigger. Authorities are also examining a possible technical defect or short circuit; the babies were transferred because no pediatric surgeon was available in Chhindwara.
Reports of the infants’ outcome
Reported official account
Casualty status
Reports of the infants’ outcome
Several reports described three burned newborns being taken to Jabalpur, with one infant in particularly critical condition and possibly requiring surgery.
Reported official account
Officials cited in one report said one of the three infants died on the way to Jabalpur and that the other two suffered burn injuries.
Cause of the fire
Reports of the infants’ outcome
The reports identify a spark in the warmer’s heating filament as the immediate trigger.
Reported official account
Hospital authorities are not treating that explanation as the final finding; they are investigating a possible technical defect or short circuit and reviewing the equipment and safety arrangements.
Key facts
- Affected infants
- Three newborns were inside the warmer and suffered burn injuries.
- Other infants
- Thirty additional newborns were evacuated safely from the NICU.
- Reported timing
- The fire occurred between approximately 1:30 and 2 a.m. on August 22, 2026.
- Immediate response
- Staff removed the babies, pulled out the burning warmer or trolley, extinguished the fire, gave first aid, and shut an oxygen connection.
- Transfer destination
- The injured babies were referred by ambulance to Jabalpur Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.
- Transfer reason
- Reports said Chhindwara District Hospital did not have a pediatric surgeon.
- Reported outcome
- One report said one baby died while being taken to Jabalpur; other reports said the babies were transferred, with one described as particularly critical.
- Investigation
- Authorities ordered or began a probe into the warmer, possible technical faults, and NICU safety arrangements.
Quotes
Dr Kanchan Dubey
Civil surgeon at Chhindwara District Hospital
“There is an oxygen connection there, which could have been very dangerous; that was also closed.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
3 Newborns Suffer Burns After Fire Breaks Out In Infant Intensive Care Machine At Chhindwara Hospital— VIDEO
3 newborns suffer burns after warmer catches fire in Madhya Pradesh hospital
Chhindwara NICU warmer catches fire: 3 newborns severely burned, 30 others evacuated
MP: Newborn Dies, 2 Others Suffer Burn Injuries As Warmer In NICU In Govt Hospital Catches Fire, Probe Ordered
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