Fire Mishap At Vijayawada Covid Care Centre, 10 Patients Dead

Vijayawada: At least ten persons were killed on Sunday in a fire that broke out at a hotel turned Covid-19 care centre here, officials said.

Fire tenders rushed to the spot managed to bring the blaze under control.

The fire broke out in the ground and first floors of the building. Inmates of the Covid-19 care centre began screaming and shouting following emanation of thick smoke.

A few panicked persons jumped from the first floor of the building.

City commissioner of police Srinivasa Rao said that the condition of two persons is serious. Around 40 people, including 30 Covid-19 patients, were said to be in the centre when the mishap occurred. The rescued patients have been shifted to other covid care centres nearby.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed anguish at the mishap and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish at the death of patients in a fire incident at a COVID facility in Andhra Pradesh's Vijaywada.

He said he discussed the incident with state chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured all possible help.

Seven COVID-19 patients were killed in the incident at a hotel converted into a treatment facility at Vijayawada.

"Anguished by the fire at a Covid centre in Vijayawada. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible," the prime minister tweeted.

"Discussed the prevailing situation with AP CM @ysjagan Ji and assured all possible support," he said.

Anguished by the fire at a Covid Centre in Vijayawada. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible. Discussed the prevailing situation with AP CM @ysjagan Ji and assured all possible support.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2020

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief over the tragic incident.

"Struck with grief after hearing tragic news about COVID-19 care centre in Vijayawada where an accidental fire caused loss of lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured," the president tweeted.

Struck with grief after hearing tragic news about COVID-19 care centre in Vijayawada where an accidental fire caused loss of lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 9, 2020

Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed anguish over the incident.

Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 9, 2020

Here Are Some Viral Videos Of The Incident From Social Media

Woke up to this scary news 😪😟

Fire mishap at Covid-19 care centre at Swarna Palace hotel in #Vijayawada

People from top floors were crying for help.pic.twitter.com/lAq7aNHZow

— AG (@aravindgogineni) August 9, 2020

Prayers for people injured and trapped in the massive fire at a hotel turned into COVID facility at Vijaywada.#Vijayawada pic.twitter.com/o97MxHaAFK

— Dharmendra Chhonkar (@yoursdharm) August 9, 2020

Visuals shortly after the fire broke out at the #Covid_19 care centre is telling. Initial suspect is that the fire started from a computer in the reception area and spread to 2 floors. Acc to #Vijayawada CP: there were 40 people in the building of which 10 were staff. pic.twitter.com/OgxQvjjkQL

— krishnamurthy (@krishna0302) August 9, 2020

Later in the day, PN Modi announced Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF as ex-gratia for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the fire mishap at the Covid centre. He also announced Rs 50,000 each for people injured in the fire.

Ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the fire at a Covid centre in Vijayawada. Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured due to the fire.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 9, 2020

(IANS)

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