Xinhua News Agency
DAKAR – Senegalese President Macky Sall announced on Thursday a three-day national mourning for the newborns who died in a hospital fire accident Wednesday evening.
According to a press release of Senegal’s presidency, from Thursday to Saturday, the country will mourn the 11 ill-fated newborns in the western city of Tivaouane. The flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country.
In addition, Sall dismissed Health Minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, who was replaced by Director of Public Health, Marie Khemesse Ngom Ndiaye.
On Wednesday evening, a fire broke out in the neonatology department of a hospital in Tivaouane, about 120 km from the capital Dakar, killing 11 newborn babies.
Investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire, said Senegalese Interior Minister Antoine Felix Diome. (Xinhua)
– ag
