8 patients dead after fire breaks out at Covid-19 hospital in India
Around 41 other Covid-19 patients at the facility were rescued and shifted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital
Eight patients in the ICU ward of a private Covid-19 designated hospital in India died after fire broke out there on Thursday.
Fire broke out at the Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad during the early hours of Thursday, said a fire official, reports Hindustan Times.
The cause of the fire is not known yet, he said.
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Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat , said that the hospital has been sealed and around 41 patients have been moved to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for postmortem.
Indian PM Modi 'saddened' by fire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday tweeted "Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon."
The prime minister said he has spoken to chief minister Vijay Rupani regarding the situation and assured all possible assistance to the affected. Chief Minister (CM) Vijay Rupani has ordered a probe which will be led by Additional chief secretary (home department) Sangeeta Singh. The CM has asked for a report on the matter within three days.
The Prime Minister's Office has announced a compensation of Rs2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives. Rs 50,000 as compensation will be given to those injured in the accident.
