Euracare Hospital has announced the commencement of an internal investigation following allegations by renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie that medical negligence at the facility led to the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi.

The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died on Wednesday after an emergency occurred during a medical procedure at the Lagos-based hospital. Adichie has alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being “fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child.”

According to the author, Nnamdi initially appeared to have a common cold before his condition rapidly deteriorated into a severe infection.

In a statement to TheCable, Euracare expressed deep sympathy to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable.” The hospital, however, said some reports surrounding the incident contained inaccuracies.

Euracare described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care, staffed by internationally trained and experienced professionals. It explained that the child was critically ill and had been referred to the facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two other paediatric centres.

The hospital said its medical team provided immediate care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted standards, working in collaboration with external medical teams as advised by the family. Despite these efforts, the child passed away less than 24 hours after arriving at the facility.

Euracare added that it has launched a detailed internal investigation in line with its clinical governance standards, stressing its commitment to transparency, patient safety, and continued support for the grieving family as regulatory and clinical processes take their course.