Police officers conduct an investigation at the scene after a fire broke out at the District General Hospital in Bhandara, India, Jan 9, 2021. (PHOTO / AP)

MUMBAI - Ten newborn babies died after a fire broke out at a special newborn care unit in India's western state of Maharashtra in the wee hours of Saturday.

Seven children were rescued from the hospital located in Bhandara district, 896 kilometers from Mumbai, and have been shifted to another unit, a surgeon at the civic hospital said.

“The fire broke out at 2 am (2030 GMT) today,” said Pramod Khandate, civil surgeon at Bhandara District General Hospital. 

Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families.

Narendra Modi, Indian prime minister

A nurse on night duty at the hospital noticed smoke emanating from the ward and alerted a doctor on duty.

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The fire was brought under control by the local fire brigade team of the district, a local police official said, adding that a short circuit is believed to be the cause of the tragedy as per preliminary investigations.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered a probe and announced an ex-gratia amount of US$6,814 to the kin of those deceased.

"Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.

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The state government has also ordered a safety audit of infant wards at all hospitals in Maharashtra.

With Reuters' input