Eleven newborn babies died in a hospital fire in Tivaouane, Senegal’s western city, late Wednesday, according to President Macky Sall.

“I have just learned with pain and dismay about the deaths of 11 newborn babies in the fire at the neonatal department of the public hospital,” Sall posted just before midnight on Twitter (0000 GMT).

He tweeted, “To their mothers and their families, I express my deepest sympathy,”

According to media reports, the tragedy occurred at Mame Abdou Aziz Sy Dabakh Hospital in Tivaouane’s transportation hub, and was caused by “a short circuit,” according to health minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr.

The maternity unit was designed to care for 13 newborns.

“At the time of the fire, there were 11, whom nurses were unable to save,” the minister said.

“Three babies were saved,” according to Demba Diop, the city’s mayor.

“My son was christened yesterday. He was only nine days old. The maternity ward was full and I don’t think there are any survivors,” one anonymous woman told Dakaractu.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, said he was “beyond devastated” by the news.

“I’m sending my deepest condolences to the parents and families of the babies who lost their lives.”

“It is with horror and great pain that I learned of the death of 11 newborn babies at Tivaouane hospital. Let us pray for these innocent people who have disappeared. My deepest condolences to the bereaved parents,” former Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye said.

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