Media reports indicate the fire broke out around 3:30 am on the third floor, where 39 newborns were undergoing treatment.
According to preliminary reports, the fire followed an explosion involving a ventilator. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been established.
The fire and smoke triggered an emergency evacuation of the neonatal unit. Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff moved the infants out of the affected ward and arranged for their treatment elsewhere.
Six newborns were shifted to a nearby super-speciality hospital for further treatment, according to reports. The three infants who died had suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation.
The incident has raised concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness in hospital units where critically ill newborns are treated. Authorities are expected to ascertain the circumstances that led to the ventilator-related fire.
Further details regarding the cause of the fire and the condition of the other infants are awaited.