NEW DELHI—Local officials in New Delhi, the capital of India, said on Sunday that six babies had perished in a fire at a baby care facility.
Firefighters were shown on television working to put out the fire that started late Saturday night and spread to the hospital in the city's eastern section.
Six additional children were rescued and brought to a separate hospital, one of whom was placed on a ventilator, according to the fire department, which also informed news agency ANI, in which Reuters holds a minority investment. Since then, the fire has been contained.
The owner of the baby hospital has fled, Delhi police said.
“The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared,” Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on social media platform X.
The incident happened the day after a fire at an entertainment center in the western state of Gujarat claimed the lives of 27 persons. Two persons have reportedly been arrested in relation to the event, according to local media.
