Ahmedabad: Eight patients in the ICU ward of a private COVID-19 designated hospital died after a fire broke out there on Thursday, a fire official said.
The victims include five men and three women, who were being treated at the ICU ward of the COVID-19 designated Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad, the official said.
Fire broke out around 3.30 am on Thursday, he said.
Around 40 other COVID-19 patients at the facility were rescued and shifted to a civic hospital in the city, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief at the loss of lives in a fire incident at a hospital in Ahmedabad early Thursday and said the administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected.
"Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," the prime minister tweeted.
Modi spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and city mayor Bijal Patel regarding the situation.
"Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected," he said.
An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the hospital fire in Ahmedabad, the PMO said in a tweet.
The Prime Minister's Office also said Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured in the fire.
Meanwhile, Gujrat CM Vijay Rupani has ordered a probe in the incident of fire at Shrey Hospital in Ahmedabad, reported ANI.
The CM has ordered for a report within 3 days, informed Gujarat Chief Minister's Office.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also condoled the deaths. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the fire accident in a Covid Hospital in Ahmedabad. Wish the bereaved families have courage to overcome the irreparable loss and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," tweeted Patnaik.
(With PTI Inputs)
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