8 coronavirus patients die in fire at ICU in Ahmedabad Covid-19 hospital

Ahmedabad : Eight coronavirus patients have reportedly been killed in a fire incident at the Intensive Care Unit of an Ahmedabad's Covid-19 hospital. 

The fire broke out at the Shrey Hospital in Ahmedabad's Navrangpura area at around 3 AM on Thursday morning. Eight fire engines, 10 ambulances were rushed to the hospital for rescue of patients.

Five men and three women - admitted to the ICU ward - died.

"A staffer whose PPE caught fire ran out of the ward to douse it but the fire spread rapidly to the whole ward," Rajesh Bhatt, additional chief fire officer of the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

"Five men and three women, who were undergoing treatment for the novel coronavirus were not in a position to escape," he added.

Around 45 patients were admitted in the 50-bed hospital during the time of accident. Rest of the patients have been rescued and shifted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, a civic hospital in the city, an official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths in his home state. "Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM @vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected (sic)," he tweeted this morning.

Gujarat Chief Minter Vijay Rupani has announced a probe in the matter and the hospital has been sealed, news agency ANI reported. "Sangeeta Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department), will be leading the probe. The Chief Minister has ordered for a report within three days," read a statement by Mr Rupani's office.

"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 hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured due to the hospital fire," a tweet by the Prime Minister's office read.