Newborn dies after NICU fire at Kanpur nursing home, family alleges negligence

A newborn girl died after a fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a private nursing home in Kanpur district. Alleging negligence and a cover-up bid, the baby’s family lodged a complaint, police said on Monday.

The fire erupted on Sunday evening at Raja Nursing Home in Bithoor, reportedly due to a short circuit in a warmer machine in the NICU. The infant suffered severe burns and later died, sparking chaos at the hospital and protests by family members.

According to a written complaint filed by the baby’s aunt, Ritu Nishad, hospital staff failed to inform the family for nearly half an hour after the delivery. She alleged that the family learned about the birth only through a cleaning staff member.

Shortly after, the family was told that a fire had broken out in the NICU and that smoke had spread through the ward. After repeated inquiries, hospital staff informed them that the baby, born to her sister Shalu, had sustained serious burn injuries.

The infant suffered severe burns on her face, chest and abdomen, the complaint said. Hospital staff declared her condition critical and rushed her to a private children’s nursing home in Kakadeo.

Ritu alleged that the newborn was already badly burnt and had died before the transfer.

Bithoor Deputy Commissioner of Police Qasim Abdi said a written complaint has been received and that further action will follow after due formalities, including inquest proceedings. He said a reply has also been sought from the chief medical officer, with a three-day deadline.

Authorities said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

- Ends