Ten newborns were killed in a massive fire at a hospital in Maharashtra, India’s richest state, on Saturday, a doctor said, as leading politicians expressed grief at the loss of life.
“The fire broke out at 2 AM today,” said Pramod Khandate, civilian surgeon at Bhandara District General Hospital in the western state. Seven of the 17 children in the Sick Newborn Care Unit were rescued, Khandate told Reuters partner ANI.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thakre ordered an investigation into the incident.
“Heartbreaking tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter. ‘My thoughts are with all the relatives. I hope the injured recover as soon as possible. “
A number of other politicians, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their grief.