Six-member committee begins probe into RIMS-Adilabad tragedy

A six-member government committee led by ITDA-Utnoor project officer Manda Makarandu began an inquiry into the RIMS-Adilabad SNCU tragedy on Thursday. The panel inspected the site, spoke to staff and examined possible technical lapses, safety issues and other causes.

Adilabad: An inquiry by a six-member committee constituted by the government to probe the tragic explosion of ACs at the Special Neonatal Care Unit (SNCU) in RIMS-Adilabad began on Thursday, with the committee visiting the institute. The explosion, supposedly caused by an electric short circuit, claimed the lives of five infants on Monday night.

Led by Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA)-Utnoor project officer Manda Makarandu, the members inspected the site of the accident and inquired about the causes of the mishap. They gathered details of technical lapses and reasons that led to the accident by visiting the site. The members spoke to staffers of the SNCU and other wards as well.

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It was learnt that the members laid special focus on the causes of the explosion of ACs. They would audit electricity, fire safety and other amenities. They will then submit a comprehensive report to the government soon. It will suggest recommendations to prevent similar accidents in future.

On Monday around 11.30 pm, while a newborn died on the spot, four infants died during treatment after they were hospitalised after inhaling toxic gases and thick smoke that emanated due to the explosion of the ACs. About 20 infants were rescued by staffers of RIMS, security guards and drivers of ambulance vehicles.

On Wednesday, the government declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims. Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha visited the institute and found out about the mishap. He said that a 150-bedded mother and child hospital would be constructed in RIMS soon. He instructed the officials to provide better medical services to the infants undergoing treatment.