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At least eight patients have died after a fire broke out at a COVID-19-designated hospital in Ahmedabad, an official was quoted by PTI as saying on Thursday, 6 August.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on Twitter, saying he was "saddened" by the incident. "Spoke to (Gujarat CM) Vijay Rupani ji and Mayor Bijal Patel ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected," he said.
The hospital's trustee, Bharat Mahant, and a ward boy have been detained by the police in connection with the incident, reported news agency ANI.
Probe Ordered
The PM announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of the deceased, while Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured, news agency ANI reported.
Meanwhile, CM Rupani has ordered a probe into the incident, with Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) Sangeeta Singh leading the investigation, and sought a report in three days, the CMO said.
He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
What Happened?
The fire broke out around 3 am at the Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of the Gujarat city. Among those who have died are five males and three females, reported The Hindu. They were put up in the ICU ward of the private hospital.
Forty-one other patients were shifted to the SVP Hospital, the report further said.
As regards the cause behind the fire, additional chief secretary of the state government Rajiv Kumar Gupta said the preliminary information reveals that the fire broke out in the ICCU due to a short-circuit early on Thursday.
“Shrey Hospital has been sealed now. Forty one patients have been shifted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital. Bodies have been sent for post-mortem.”Additional Chief Secretary Rajiv Kumar Gupta, as quoted by ANI
Meanwhile, Joint Commissioner of Police Rajendra Asari said they are taking the help of fire and forensic experts in the investigation.
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