Eleven Covid-19 patients died and six were injured in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the government hospital in Ahmednagar city of Maharashtra after a fire broke out on Saturday morning.  Ten deceased were above 60 while one of them was in the late 30s.

According to government officials, an electrical short-circuit may have started the fire. About 17 patients were treated for Covid-19 in the ICU when the fire broke out at 10.30 am in the new building of the civil hospital. The hospital building has been constructed only about one and a half years ago.  

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered a probe to find the reasons for the accident and has assured that the government will take stringent action against those who are guilty of negligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a hospital in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest.” Ahmednagar district officials said that the fire brigade controlled the fire in 45 minutes and injured patients were shifted to another hospital.

Ex gratia amount of 7 lakh

State Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat who visited Ahmednagar hospital said that the State government will provide an ex gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh to family members of the victims and also Rs 2 lakh compensation would be given under the NDRF.

“ The probe committee under the Divisional Commissioner will conduct the probe and submit the report to the government. We will take action against those responsible once we get the probe report findings” said Thorat.   

State Minister Maharashtra Nawab Malik speaking to reporters said "The government has already issued orders that all hospitals must conduct fire audits. We have to find if a fire audit of this particular hospital was conducted. The government will probe the matter and culprits will be definitely punished”.  

 

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