Eleven newborn babies were reportedly killed in a massive fire that erupted at the neonatal unit of a regional hospital.
On Wednesday night, fire erupted at the hospital in Tivaouane, Senegal, before swiftly sweeping through the neonatal unit.
The tragic news was confirmed by the president of the West African nation who expressed his sympathy for the deceased babies’ parents.
“I have just learned with pain and consternation the death of 11 newborn babies in the fire that occurred in the neonatology department of the Mme Abdou Aziz Sy Dabakh hospital in Tivaouane,” Senegal President Macky Sall revealed.
“To their mothers and their families, I express my deepest sympathy.”
While the fire remains under investigation, Diop Sy, a high-profile politician, suggested that the blaze was a result of a short circuit.
“The fire spread very quickly,” he added.
Speaking out about the tragic incident was also Tivaouane Mayor Demba Diop who revealed that the staff managed to save three babies before the fire was out of control.
“This situation is very unfortunate and extremely painful. An investigation is underway to see what happened,” Health Minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr added.
The fire comes just a month after a blaze erupted at another Senegalese hospital located in the city of Linguere.
During the April fire in Linguere, four babies at a neonatal unit died as a result of an electrical malfunction in one of the hospital’s AC units.
“More babies burned in a public hospital… this is unacceptable,” politician Mamadou Lamine Diallo tweeted after the recent incident.
“We suffer with the families to whom we offer our condolences. Enough is enough.”
Our thoughts are with the families of the babies killed in the fire.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends. For more news and stories, follow us on Facebook!
Recommended Video For You!
Newborn Twins Have Their First Conversation In The Hospital Baby Cot