A fire broke out in one of the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at the Tumakuru district government hospital on Friday around 6.30 p.m. Nurses noticed smoke in the air-conditioner and immediately alerted the district surgeon before evacuating the unit. Twenty-nine newborns and their mothers, along with their relatives, were taken to safety. No casualties were reported
The air-conditioner and false ceiling were gutted.
Deputy Commissioner K.P. Mohan Raj commended the nurses for their quick thinking. A team from Bescom will conduct an inquiry and submit a report to him, following which necessary action will be taken.
District Surgeon Dr. Veerabhadraiah said they will shift the babies either to the NICU of Shridevi medical college or Siddhartha medical college after discussions with the deputy commissioner.
