Maharashtra:11 Covid patients dead in fire at Ahmednagar hospital

In Maharashtra, at least 11 people have died after a massive fire broke out on Saturday at a district hospital at Ahmednagar. According to reports, the fire was in the hospital's COVID-19 ward, in which 17 patients had been admitted. The remaining patients have been shifted to a Covid ward in another hospital, District Collector Dr Rajendra Bhosle told reporters, adding that a 'fire audit' of the structure had been conducted. The fire broke out at around 11 am. A short circuit seems to be the primary cause of the incident.

Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik said the ICU had been newly built for the express purpose of treating coronavirus patients, and the fact that a fire had broken out was a "very serious issue". Malik said all hospitals had been asked to undertake a 'fire audit' and that the Ahmednagar Civil Hospital's report in this regard would be checked, and a thorough investigation would take place. The minister also said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray extended his condolences to the families of those who had died, and assured them of every possible support. Devendra Fadnavis, leader of opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, expressed his shock over the news and sent his condolences to the families of the victims.  An in-depth inquiry should be conducted and strict action should be taken against all responsible people, he said.