Mumbai: In what came as tragic news, a major fire broke out at Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Virar in Mumbai on Friday. 13 COVID-19 patients lost their lives in the incident.
As per the primary report, the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the AC unit of the ICU at around 3 am on Friday.
"13 people have died after a fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) around 3 am. 21 patients including those in critical condition have been shifted to another hospital," said Dr Dilip Shah, official, Vijay Vallabh COVID-19 care hospital. The fire department has confirmed that there were 17 COVID-19 patients in the ICU. The five survivors have been shifted to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered an enquiry.
This comes just three days after 22 COVID-19 patients died at a hospital in Nashik following the oxygen tank leakage. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the oxygen supply to patients stopped unexpectedly because of a malfunction in the main storage at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital, run by the BJP-ruled Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC).
An FIR was registered on Thursday at the Bhadrakali police station in Maharashtra's Nashik city against unidentified persons under Indian Penal Code Section 304-A (causing death by negligence).
Meanwhile, several leaders conveyed their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, "The fire at a COVID-19 hospital in Virar is tragic. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon."
Opposition leader and former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his condolence via Twitter. He wrote, One more devastating incident. Deeply pained to know about loss of lives in Virar Covid Hospital ICU fire. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. Wishing speedy recovery to injured #COVID19 patients. We demand an in-depth inquiry & strong action against those responsible."
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said, “Anguished to hear about the loss of lives due to fire at Virar Covid Hospital ICU. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their family in the devastating incident.”
