Premature babies die in fire at maternity hospital in Baghdad

At least 12 premature babies have died in a fire at a maternity hospital in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

The blaze broke out late on Tuesday night in the maternity ward of Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, which is based in the west of the city.

Investigators believe it was caused by an electrical fault.

An independent news agency reported seven other children and 29 women were rescued and transferred to another hospital.

The adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Amir al-Mukhtar said eight children were saved from the fire.

''The fire took place very quickly and created a lot of damage, both for the building and also for the children, who are premature."

"There were 12 deaths among the premature [babies]. The total of patients in the department were 20; eight of them were saved and taken away to other hospitals.

"As far as we know, they were taken away quickly without significant effect of smoke of the fire,'' he added.

Meanwhile, relatives have started to arrive at the hospital for news.

Among them was Hassan Omar, who was looking for his son and daughter who are still missing. He said he still hasn't told their mother, who he said is "still recovering from the caesarean".

"I don't know whether they are still alive or not. We were told that seven babies were rescued and transferred to Iskan hospital. We went there, but we couldn't find them. Where can we find them?

"They might have been taken to the Medical City for a DNA test. We would have to wait 20 days for the results. What we can do know?", he added.

Baghdad authorities have sealed off the hospital and barred media from the site.

Electrical fires are common in the Iraqi capital and elsewhere across the country because of poor wiring and maintenance standards by construction companies.

The danger is also enhanced by a lack of fire escapes.