Adilabad, Sept. 22: The death toll in the RIMS Adilabad fire rose to three after another infant died during treatment in Nizamabad on Tuesday.
The 20-day-old baby died at Government General Hospital in Nizamabad at around 9 am, officials said. She had been shifted there after her condition deteriorated.
The infant was among five newborns who became critically ill after inhaling toxic fumes following an air conditioner explosion in the Special Newborn Care Unit.
One newborn died at the scene after the fire broke out late Monday night. Another infant died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Adilabad early Tuesday.
RIMS Adilabad Fire Triggers Inquiry
A five-day-old baby from Hyderabad also died after losing consciousness in the incident. The identities of the deceased infants had not been officially released at the time of the latest reports.
Three other infants who were shifted to private hospitals in Adilabad remained in serious condition, according to officials. Other newborns were reported to be stable.
Around 30 infants were being treated in incubators at the SNCU when the incident occurred. Thick smoke and fumes spread through the unit after the air conditioner malfunctioned.
The fire is suspected to have followed an electrical short circuit involving an air conditioner. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the incident.
RIMS authorities have initiated an inquiry into the mishap. Officials said action would be taken if negligence is established.
The incident has also prompted authorities to examine the safety arrangements at the newborn care unit and the circumstances that led to the deaths.
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