The Maharashtra government on Monday ordered an inquiry into the Amravati fire that claimed the lives of three newborn babies .
The government will bear the treatment costs for those injured in the incident. The committee will comprise the commissioner, experts from AIIMS, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), and the chief electrical engineer of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). The inquiry will ascertain the reasons for the lapse and determine what measures were required, including whether all necessary safety provisions and procedures had been properly implemented. Clear directives will be issued to ensure strict implementation of all fire safety requirements and prompt action to address any lapses.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the strictest possible action will be taken against those found responsible and also announced financial assistance of ₹ 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.
Abitkar said the incident raised serious questions, particularly since the hospital building was constructed only two years ago. The minister also said the inquiry will examine whether mandatory fire safety audits were conducted on time. “Our rules regarding fire safety audits are clear,” he said, adding that any delay will be investigated to determine whether it was caused by negligence or any other lapse. “No one responsible will be spared,” he said, adding that while the lives of the three newborns lost in the tragedy could not be brought back, accountability will be fixed and measures would be taken to ensure that such an incident does not recur.
State public health minister Prakash Abitkar said a committee will be constituted on Monday to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, the state government plans to hold a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of government and private hospitals to review compliance with fire safety audit norms.
It will be examined whether all prescribed fire safety norms were followed at the hospital. The inquiry will also include a comprehensive audit of the machinery and an assessment of the functioning of smoke detectors, sprinklers, and other fire safety systems.
The minister said any failure, negligence, or lapse identified during the probe will be examined in detail, and responsibility will be fixed.
