New Delhi (NVI): At least nine people were killed today in a fire due to a short circuit at a hotel in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, that was being used to keep coronavirus patients.
The incident took place at around 5 am when a fire broke out at Swarna Palace hotel on Eluru road that was taken on lease by Ramesh hospital to treat Covid-19 patients.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed shock over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased. An in-depth probe has also been ordered into the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condoled the loss of lives in the incident. “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,” the PM tweeted.
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
Police have said that a short circuit in an air-conditioner on the ground floor of the hotel led to the fire.
While some patients jumped from the terrace of the building, the others were asphyxiated due to the huge fire and smoke.
A similar incident took place at a private hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad recently in which eight people were killed.
-ARK
