Pune, Sept. 10 -- The Maharashtra public health department has suspended five officials and employees following an inquiry into the August 24 fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Amravati District Women's Hospital that killed three infants, officials said.

The health department suspended deputy director of health services (Akola Circle) Sushilkumar Wakchaure, medical superintendent of Amravati Women's Hospital Vinod Pawar, additional district surgeon at Amravati Arun Salunkhe, the hospital's administrative officer and its electrician.

A fire broke out around 3.15am on Monday in the neonatal unit on the third floor of the hospital, where 39 newborns were admitted. Thirty-six babies were rescued, while six critically affected i...