Six newborns die after 'AC gas leak' at Ad-din Hospital in Dhaka

Six newborn babies have died following a suspected air-conditioner gas leak inside a ward at Ad-din Hospital in the capital’s Moghbazar area, triggering shock and concern across the city.

The tragic incident occurred early Wednesday (May 27), officials said.

Confirming the deaths, Sheikh Zahidul Islam said an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Hospital sources said 11 mothers and six newborns were admitted to the post-operative ward at the time of the incident. The deceased infants were between one and two days old.

Preliminary findings suggest a malfunction in the ward’s air-conditioning system may have caused a gas leak, after which the condition of the newborns rapidly deteriorated.

Physician Dr. Nahida Yasmin said two babies first fell ill and were shifted to the NICU. After their condition initially appeared stable, they were returned to the ward. However, around 6:00am, all six infants again became critically ill and were rushed back to intensive care.

Despite being placed on ventilator support, the babies could not be saved, she added.

Ad-din Hospital’s Director (Administration), Tarikul Islam Mukul, said he had been informed about the incident overnight and would provide details after visiting the hospital.

Meanwhile, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said one of the mothers had earlier requested that the air-conditioner be turned off because the room felt excessively cold. Nurses reportedly kept the AC off for nearly an hour before turning it back on. Shortly afterward, two babies became sick, followed by the remaining four.

He said investigators from the CID crime scene unit are currently collecting evidence and examining the ward to identify the exact cause behind the deaths.