10 killed as Fire Breaks Out at Hotel Used as Covid-19 Facility in Andhra Pradesh

10 killed as Fire Breaks Out at Hotel Used as Covid-19 Facility in Andhra Pradesh

As many as 10 patients died at a star hotel converted to a coronavirus treatment centre here on Sunday when panic-stricken inmates tried to flee a fire suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, the government said.

Ten people were killed in the mishap, Vijayawada Police Commissioner B Srinivasulu said.

All the victims were patients undergoing treatment there, according to Deputy CM (Health) A K K Srinivas.

The hotel leased by a private hospital to treat coronavirus patients had "violated" safety rules, according to Fire Safety Director Jairam Naik.

According to B Srinivasulu, the fire broke out at about 5 am from the reception’s computer area, “probably due to short circuit.” “We have a list of 30 patients. Two employees have jumped off from the first floor,” the commissioner said. 

Fire tenders rushed to the spot and evacuated those trapped inside and brought the fire under control. The rescued patients were shifted to nearby hospitals. One of the nine bodies taken out was badly charred, fire officials said.

AP DGP Gautam Sawang also inspected the mishap site.

In a similar incident on Thursday, a fire in a Covid-19 hospital in Ahmedabad killed eight patients.

Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy reviewed the situation and announced Rs 50 lakh compensation for each of the deceased families. Reddy also ordered an in-depth probe into the accident while directing authorities to ensure better medical services for the victims.