Delhi hospital owner arrested after 7 newborns killed in fire
What's the story
Dr. Naveen Khichi, owner of Baby Care New Born Hospital in Delhi, was arrested on Sunday following a massive fire on Saturday night at the hospital, which killed seven newborns. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary stated that 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital, of which seven died. The rest were shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital in Vivek Vihar for treatment.
Rescue efforts
Fire details and rescue operations unveiled
According to Atul Garg, Chief of Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the fire started around 11:30pm on Saturday following which nine fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene. Garg stated that the fire quickly intensified due to the presence of multiple oxygen cylinders, which began to explode, spreading the blaze and causing considerable damage. The fire also affected two nearby buildings but did not result in any additional casualties or injuries.
Official response
Government announces compensation, PM and CM respond
The Prime Minister's Office has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for the kin of the injured babies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via X, stating: "The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also described the incident as "heartbreaking."