13 killed in ICU ward as fire breaks out in India’s Covid care hospital

The unfortunate incident comes as India battles the second wave of novel coronavirus and sees a deadly surge in infections.

Reportedly, a short circuit in the air conditioning unit of the hospital is said to be the preliminary cause of the fire

For the time being, the private-owned hospital is in the process of shifting other patients to the nearby hospitals.

Rescue teams and around 10 fire tenders reached the spot after getting information and controlled within 10 minutes the blaze within ten minutes.

Meanwhile, India reported the world’s highest daily tally of coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day, surpassing 330,000 new cases. Deaths in the last 24 hours also jumped to a record 2,263.

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in the country by the global outbreak.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths in Palghar district's Virar ‘tragic’ and wrote, “Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon: PM”.

The fire at a COVID-19 hospital in Virar is tragic. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 23, 2021

Following the tragic incident Modi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the hospital fire in Virar, Maharashtra and as per his directions Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.

PM @narendramodi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the hospital fire in Virar, Maharashtra. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 23, 2021

Max Healthcare, which runs a network of hospitals in northern and western India posted an appeal on Twitter the same day for emergency supplies of oxygen at its facility in Delhi.

“SOS – Less than an hour’s oxygen supplies at Max Smart Hospital & Max Hospital Saket. Awaiting promised fresh supplies from INOX since 1 am… Over 700 patients admitted, need immediate assistance,” the company wrote.

SOS - Less than an hour's Oxygen supplies at Max Smart Hospital & Max Hospital Saket. Awaiting promised fresh supplies from INOX since 1 am. @drharshvardhan @msisodia @PMOIndia @ArvindKejriwal @PiyushGoyal @SatyendarJain over 700 patients admitted, need immediate assistance ??

— Max Healthcare (@MaxHealthcare) April 23, 2021