Delhi hospital owner arrested after fatal fire claims seven infants' lives

Dr Naveen Khichi, owner of New Born Baby Care Hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar, has been apprehended by Delhi Police following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of seven infants. Dr Khichi, who had been evading authorities since the incident, was taken into custody after the fire broke out at his hospital. The fire, caused by exploding oxygen cylinders within the two-story building, not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but also inflicted damage to nearby structures. Firefighters encountered numerous challenges during the rescue operation, including a narrow lane and low-hanging electrical wires, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Shaheed Seva Dal rescues newborns

Local residents and members of the non-profit organization, Shaheed Seva Dal, acted immediately, scaling walls and risking their own safety to rescue newborns trapped in the inferno. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scenes of individuals bravely entering the burning hospital to save lives, highlighting the community's collective efforts in the face of tragedy.

Delhi New Born Baby Care Hospital incident | Delhi Police apprehends the owner of the Baby care centre.

6 newborn babies died and several others were injured after a fire broke out at the Newborn Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar last night. pic.twitter.com/Rbb35BXIgQ

— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024

What is the root cause of fire?

Amidst the grief and chaos, allegations surfaced regarding illegal activities within the hospital premises, particularly concerning oxygen cylinder refilling. Residents claim to have raised concerns with local authorities in the past, but their pleas went unanswered, leading to tragic consequences.

Calls for accountability

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly, seeking to uncover any lapses in safety protocols and hold those responsible accountable for the loss of innocent lives.