Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad (SHP)

Ahmedabad, Aug 6: In a tragic incident that took place on Thursday, a fire broke out at a designated coronavirus hospital in Ahmedabad. The disaster claimed the lives of eight people that were under treatment in the ICU ward of the hospital, fire officials said.

The fire was reported at the Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad at around 3.30 am on Thursday. The mishap was reportedly caused by an electrical short-circuit.

The victims include five men and three women. Around 35 patients at the facility were rescued and moved to a civic hospital in the city."Eight coronavirus patients admitted in the ICU ward of Shrey Hospital have died due to the fire, which has been doused," an official of the Ahmedabad Fire Department told PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and said that the administration is providing all possible assistance. The PM also spoke to Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and city mayor Bijal Patel regarding the situation.

Tweeting over the matter, the Prime Minister said, "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."

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lac to the next of kin of the deceased from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund was also announced by Modi."Ex-gratia of Rs 2 lac 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," the PMO said in a tweet.

Principal health secretary Jayanti Ravi reached the hospital and assured that a probe would be undertaken into the incident.

CM Vijay Rupani has ordered an investigation into the incident and additional chief secretary (Home Department) Sangeeta Singh, will be leading the probe, said a statement released by the CMO. As per the assistant commissioner of police, LB Zala forensic experts have arrived at the site for a detailed investigation.

Home minister Amit Shah also expressed his grief over the incident. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident at a hospital in Ahmedabad. My condolences and thoughts are with the affected families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," the home minister said in a tweet.

Gujarat is one of the states worst-hit by the coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday the state reported 1,073 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally past the 66,000-mark. The case count in the state is 66,777 now, according to the state health department. With the death of 23 COVID-19 patients during the day, the number of fatalities went up to 2,557, the department said.