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WARNING: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.
The fire broke out late Friday at a hospital in the city of Jhansi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said the fire quickly spread through the ward, where 55 infants are being treated.
Forty-five babies have been rescued and are receiving medical care, said Bimal Kumar Dubey, a local official.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of the state, visited the hospital and met the families today.
He pledged government support to the victims’ families and promised a thorough investigation.
“We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take strict action. The government stands by the families at this difficult time,” he said.
When firefighters arrived, the department was engulfed in flames and smoke.
Rescuers had to break through windows to reach the newborn babies.
Eyewitnesses said the rescue operation began about 30 minutes after the fire broke out, delaying evacuation efforts.
The accident raised questions about safety measures at the hospital.
Although fire alarms were installed in the intensive care unit, parents and witnesses said they did not go off during the fire.
Hospital staff acted only after seeing signs of smoke and fire.
“If the security alarm had worked, we could have acted earlier and saved more lives,” said Naresh Kumar, a parent who lost his child.
Akhtar Hussain, whose son was rescued and is being treated in a neighboring ward, agreed that the tragedy could have been prevented if the hospital had better safety protocols.
Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building codes and safety norms.
Poor maintenance and lack of proper firefighting equipment in the country also leads to death.
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