Death of children due to fire in Delhi hospital heart-rending, says President Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu. File Pic

President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences and prayed for strength to the parents who lost their newborns. The horrific incident happened at East Delhi's Vivek Vihar area on Saturday night. Seven newborns died after a massive fire broke out at East Delhi Children's hospital, reported PTI.

"I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident," she said.

She also added that the news is shocking and prayed for the speedy recovery of children who are undergoing medical treatment.

"The news of death of many children due to fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi is heart-rending. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident," the president said in a post on X in Hindi.

The horrific incident happened at East Delhi's Vivek Vihar area on Saturday night, reported PTI.

As per the media agency's report, twelve newborns were rescued from the place and seven lost their life. Five babies are currently undergoing medical treatment.

"Five babies are undergoing treatment at another hospital," DFS chief Atul Garg said.

A senior police officer said that the fire broke out at hospital and its adjacent building at around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. These babies were then recused by the hospital staff and other people and were shifted to another hospital.

The officer said the six babies were declared dead and one died during the medical treatment. The bodies have been shifted to the GTB Hospital for post-mortem.

The action has been taken against the owner of the hospital. An FIR has been registered against him by Delhi police.

(With inputs from PTI)