Maharashtra government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives, said minister Eknath Shinde.
Police at the spot. Pics: Hanif Patel
At least 14 patients died at Vijay Vallabh Covid Care hospital in Virar West, Mumbai, in a fire that broke out on Friday morning. According to initial reports, the patients died after inhaling toxic fumes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other patients have been shifted to another hospital, sources said.
“A total of 14 patients admitted to the ICU - general ward have been rushed to nearby hospitals to give them immediate medical assistance. There were 17 ICU beds. A few patients admitted there have died," said a hospital staffer.
“Fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit around 3 am today. 21 patients, including those in critical condition, have been shifted to another hospital,” Dr Dilip Shah, official at Vijay Vallabh COVID care hospital, said.
“Death toll rose to 14 in Virar hospital fire incident,” said Palghar district collector.
One of the relatives of a deceased created a ruckus and tried to enter the hospital but was stopped by the police, they added.
#Breaking: One of the relatives of a deceased lost his cool and created ruckus. He tried to enter the hospital but cops stopped him. @mid_day @patel_bhupen pic.twitter.com/ElQloTCbKe
— Diwakar Sharma (@DiwakarSharmaa) April 23, 2021
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
उपचार घेत असलेल्या इतर रुग्णांना झळ पोहचू नये याकडे लक्ष देत त्यांची लगेचच इतरत्र व्यवस्था करावी असे निर्देशही त्यांनी दिले आहेत. या खासगी रुग्णालयात अग्नी सुरक्षेची पुरेशी काळजी घेतली होती किंवा नाही हे पाहून तातडीने योग्य ती चौकशी करण्याचे निर्देशही त्यांनी प्रशासनाला दिले आहेत
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 23, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.
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 @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 23, 2021
PM @narendramodi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the hospital fire in Virar, Maharashtra. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 23, 2021
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to tragic fire at a Hospital in Palghar, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Saddened by the loss of lives due to tragic fire at a Hospital in Palghar, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 23, 2021
State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said in a tweet, "It is a very unfortunate and painful incident. CM Thackeray has ordered in-depth inquiry into this accident.
विरार येथील विजय वल्लभ हॉस्पिटलच्या अतिदक्षता विभागामध्ये लागलेल्या आगीच्या दुर्घटनेत १३ रुग्णांचा मृत्यू झाला. ही घटना अतिशय दुर्दैवी व वेदनादायी आहे.
— Rajesh Tope (@rajeshtope11) April 23, 2021
या घटनेची सखोल चौकशी करण्याचे आदेश मा. मुख्यमंत्री महोदयांनी दिले आहेत.
Urban Development minister and Thane district Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde and Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police commissioner Sadanand Date inspected the ICU of Vijay Vallabh Covid Care hospital where the fire broke out.
#MiddayEXCLUSIVE: Maharashtra Chief Minister #UddhavThackeray directed the administration to immediately inquire whether the fire safety in the private hospital was adequate. #Viral
— Mid Day (@mid_day) April 23, 2021
Video: Hanif Patel pic.twitter.com/H06tvr7TS1
“This is a big accident. Those found responsible won't be spared. The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives,” Minister Eknath Shinde said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
