Ten newborns were killed in a massive fire at a hospital in Maharashtra, India’s richest state, on Saturday, a doctor said, while top politicians expressed grief over the loss of life.
“The fire broke out today at 2 am,” said Pramod Khandate, a civilian surgeon at Bhandara District General Hospital in the western state. Seven of the 17 children in the sick newborn care unit have been rescued, Khandate told Reuters partner ANI.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thakre has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“The insane tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost young and precious lives,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter. “My thoughts are with all the grieving families. I hope the wounded will recover as soon as possible. “
A number of other politicians, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their grief.