AC shutdown triggers death of six newborns at Ad-Din Hospital: Police

Police have said that the preliminary cause behind the deaths of six newborns at a post-operative ward of Ad-Din Hospital appears to be related to the air-conditioning system being switched off for a period of time.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed made the statement on Wednesday (May 27) after visiting the hospital premises in the capital's Moghbazar.

He said that six newborns and 11 mothers were staying in the post-operative room when one mother requested the AC be turned off due to discomfort from the cold. Following the request, nurses reportedly kept the air-conditioning system shut for around one hour.

Later, when the AC was turned back on due to rising temperature, two newborns suddenly became ill, followed shortly by the deterioration of the remaining four infants’ conditions, he added.

All six newborns later died while undergoing treatment, according to police.

The DMP Commissioner further said that a CID crime scene team is working at the site, collecting evidence and examining possible technical and environmental factors.

Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway, and further findings will be disclosed after the probe is completed.