By Hassan Jibril
ALGIERS (AA) – Eight newborn babies died Tuesday in a hospital fire in southeastern Algeria, according to local media.
The fire broke out in the maternity wing of the hospital in the town of El Oued Souf, 500 kilometers (360 miles) southwest of the capital Algiers.
The Civil Defense Agency said three babies suffered burns in the blaze, while five others were still unaccounted for. It said 37 women and 28 hospital staffers were rescued.
Local media suggested that the fire was caused by a short circuit.
It said Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui has ordered an investigation into the incident.
* Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara