Published: September 22, 2026,10:16 AM IST
Adilabad: Panic gripped the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad late Monday night after a fire broke out at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), prompting the emergency evacuation of newborn babies and their parents. According to officials and preliminary reports, two newborn babies were reportedly killed in the incident of Adilabad RIMS Fire, while several other infants were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact number of casualties is expected to be confirmed following a detailed inquiry.
The fire reportedly broke out after a suspected electrical short circuit involving an air conditioner in the newborn care ward. Dense smoke quickly spread through the unit, triggering an emergency response by hospital staff and fire service personnel.
Adilabad RIMS Fire: 24 Newborns Shifted to Other Hospitals
A five-day-old infant was among those reported dead following the incident. Hospital staff reportedly evacuated the newborns from the affected ward, with 24 children shifted to nearby private hospitals for further medical care. Three of the children were reported to be in critical condition.
Parents and attendants reportedly panicked after smoke began filling the SNCU. Several parents rushed out of the ward carrying their babies, while hospital staff worked to evacuate the newborns and move them to safer areas.
As part of the emergency response, hospital personnel reportedly switched off the electricity supply to the affected unit. The newborns were subsequently moved to another ward while firefighting and rescue operations were carried out.
Fire service personnel also reached RIMS and assisted hospital staff in controlling the situation and ensuring the evacuation of patients from the affected area.
Electrical Short Circuit Suspected
A preliminary assessment indicated that an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit may have triggered the fire. However, officials have not yet established the exact cause.
A detailed investigation is expected to determine how the fire started and whether any lapses in fire safety or electrical maintenance contributed to the incident.
Revanth Reddy Orders Inquiry Into Adilabad RIMS Fire
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the reported deaths and directed officials to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to submit a detailed report on the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths and evacuation of the newborns.
The incident has raised concerns over fire safety, electrical equipment and emergency preparedness in critical newborn-care facilities. Authorities are expected to establish the confirmed casualty figures and exact cause of the fire after the completion of the investigation.
Further details are awaited from the hospital and district authorities.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
