13 Dead In Fire At ICU Ward Of Vijay Vallabh Covid Care Hospital In Virar, PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia

Thirteen patients lost their lives in a fire at Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Mumbai’s Virar on Friday morning.

Image Courtesy | Twitter: @ANI

In a tragic incident, fire broke out in the ICU ward at Vijay Vallabh Hospital, a COVID-19 facility, in Virar which left 13 patients dead. Affected patients have been shifted to nearby hospitals. As per the initial report, a fire at the covid facility under Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation broke out because of a short circuit.  

As per Dr. Dilip Shah, official, Vijay Vallabh COVID care hospital, a fire broke in ICU around 3 AM today (Friday). 21 patients including those in critical condition have been shifted to another hospital for now.

District Disaster Control Cell chief Vivekanand Kadam informed that the fire occurred after an explosion in the AC unit of the ICU. Firefighters from the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation put out the fire within an hour, Kadam said. 

However, the kins of patients have claimed that the fire broke out because of the negligence of Hospital authorities and are demanding the administration to take action against those who were on duty when the incident occurred.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray orders an inquiry into the fire incident at Vijay Vallabh COVID care hospital, according to a statement released by Chief Minister's office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter and condoled the deaths of the victims.

"The fire at a COVID-19 hospital in Virar is tragic. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon."

PM also announced that Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia will be given to the kins of the deceased and Rs 50,000 will be provided to the injured. The amount will be given from the PM-CARES Fund.

Maharashtra Government has also announced ex gratia for the victims. Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde said, "This is a big accident. Those found responsible won't be spared. The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs each to the families of those who lost their lives.

The incident comes as Maharashtra battles the second wave of coronavirus and witnessed an unprecedented surge in infections. Over 67,000 fresh cases have been reported since yesterday. With a total caseload of over 40 lakh infections, Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in the country by the pandemic.