Coronavirus: 10 die in fire at hotel used as Covid care facility in India

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Vijaywada - Thirty people have been rescued from the Vijayawada hotel that caught fire today morning.

By ANI, IANS

Published: Mon 10 Aug 2020, 6:57 AM

Last updated: Mon 10 Aug 2020, 4:39 PM

At least ten people have died in a huge fire that broke out at a hotel in Andhra Pradesh's Vijaywada early this morning. Thirty people have been rescued from from the hotel so far, news agency ANI reported quoing police. Fire engines have rushed to the spot.
"Seven people have lost their lives and 30 have been rescued," Vijaywada Police told ANI.

The incident took place around 5 am. Around 22 patients are being treated in hospital. We are evacuating the entire building. The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report, but we will have to ascertain: Krishna DC Mohammad Imtiaz #AndhraPradesh https://t.co/9hs9dow2mV pic.twitter.com/TEVp3Xfrpt
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2020

Fire tenders rushed to the spot managed to bring the blaze under control.

The fire broke out in the ground and first floors of the building. Inmates of the Covid-19 care centre began screaming and shouting following emanation of thick smoke.

Andhra Pradesh government announces Rs 50 lakhs ex gratia each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire at a hotel, being utilised as a #COVID19 facility in Vijayawada. https://t.co/epg5bdZCwp
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2020

A few panicked persons jumped from the first floor of the building.
Andhra govt announces Rs 50-lakh ex-gratia each to kin of deceased
The Andhra Pradesh government announced Rs 50 lakh ex-gratia each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire at a hotel being used as a Covid-19 facility in Vijayawada on Sunday morning.
According to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also ordered an in-depth probe into the accident and directed authorities to take steps to ensure better medical services to the victims of the accident.
The Chief Minister assured to provide necessary help and support to the families affected by the incident.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of the lives in the fire mishap and spoke to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy over the phone and enquired about the accident.
The Chief Minister explained that the fire accident took place in the hotel which was taken on lease and run by a private hospital to treat Covid patients.
He said that rescue measures are taking place and the ex-gratia amount of Rs 50 lakh has been announced. The Prime Minister extended all the possible help and assured support to the families of the victims.
City commissioner of police Srinivasa Rao said that the condition of two persons is serious. Around 40 people, including 30 Covid-19 patients, were said to be in the centre when the mishap occurred. The rescued patients have been shifted to other covid care centres nearby.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed anguish at the mishap and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

India

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