A fire broke out late Monday night, September 21, at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad, Telangana, killing two infants and triggering an emergency evacuation of newborns from the ward.
The incident occurred at around 11:50 pm. Initial reports suggest that an electrical fault involving an air-conditioning unit may have triggered the fire, but authorities have said the exact cause is yet to be established.
How did the fire start?
According to preliminary reports, an AC unit in the SNCU malfunctioned or exploded following a suspected electrical short circuit. The ward quickly filled with thick smoke, creating a particularly dangerous situation because the patients were newborns requiring intensive medical care.
Hospital staff, relatives and emergency personnel immediately began moving the infants out of the affected unit. In the rescue effort, glass panes of the ward were reportedly broken to help evacuate the babies through the smoke-filled area.
Two infants died
A five-day-old infant from Ichoda was among those who died. Reports indicate that another infant subsequently died while being shifted or undergoing treatment.
There is some inconsistency in early reports over the death toll: several reports published during the morning of September 22 put the number at two, while a later Indian Express report said a third infant died on Tuesday morning, reportedly from smoke inhalation. The authorities’ final confirmed toll will therefore be important as the investigation progresses.
28 children evacuated
Officials and media reports said approximately 28 children were rescued and evacuated from the affected area. The infants were transferred to other medical facilities for continued treatment and monitoring.
Some reports said several children were in critical condition initially, while others were subsequently described as stable or out of danger.
Fire brought under control
Firefighters reached RIMS after the incident was reported and worked to prevent the flames from spreading to other sections of the hospital. The fire was eventually brought under control.
Police and other officials also reached the hospital, while the affected ward was inspected as part of the initial investigation.
CM orders detailed inquiry
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure medical treatment and continuous monitoring of the evacuated children.
He also ordered a detailed inquiry into the cause of the fire and directed authorities to examine hospital fire and electrical-safety arrangements.
The investigation is expected to establish whether the fire was caused by an electrical or AC malfunction and whether any safety or maintenance lapses contributed to the incident.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hospital | RIMS, Adilabad, Telangana |
| Ward | Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) |
| Time of fire | Around 11:50 pm, September 21 |
| Deaths initially reported | 2 infants |
| Later report | Indian Express reported a third infant death |
| Children evacuated | About 28 |
| Suspected cause | AC/electrical fault; investigation pending |
| Government response | Detailed inquiry ordered |
| Fire status | Brought under control |
The cause of the fire and any possible safety lapses remain under investigation. The reported death toll should also be treated cautiously until authorities issue a final confirmation.
