Ten newborns were killed on Saturday in a massive fire at a hospital in Maharashtra, India's richest state, a doctor said, as leading politicians expressed grief at the loss of life.
"The fire broke out at 2 am (2030 GMT) today," said Pramod Khandate, civil surgeon at Bhandara District General Hospital in the western state. Seven of the 17 children in the Sick Newborn Care Unit were rescued, Khandate told Reuters partner ANI.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thakre ordered a probe into the incident.
"Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter. "My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible."
A number of other politicians, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their grief.
7 Indonesian airports remain shut due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese town kill 11, state news agency saysÂ
Nepal marks national mourning day after deadly flood
Far-right AfD wins historic victory in German state election
At least 5 killed in Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash in Miami
Israeli strike kills 2 in Gaza, medics say
Bangladesh dengue outbreak accelerates as hospitals come under strain
US peace envoys meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv after Putin talks
