Gujarat: Hospital fire leaves 18 COVID-19 patients dead

This COVID-19 designated hospital is situated on the Bharuch-Jambusar highway, around 190 km from Ahmedabad and is being run by a trust.

According to an hospital source, there were around 50 other patients at the four-storeyed Welfare Hospital when the fire broke out in the COVID-19 ward at 0100 hrs, reports UNI.

They were rescued by locals and firefighters, it said.

As per information at 0630 hrs, the death count in the tragedy stood at 18. Immediately after the fire, police got a confirmation of 12 deaths of patients who died due to the fire and resultant smoke, a senior police officer in Bharuch, Rajendrasinh Chudasama, said.

It is yet to be ascertained that if the remaining six also died in the Welfare Hospital or while being shifted to other hospitals.

Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted to condole the loss of lives in the mishap.

"Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Bharuch. Condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire at a Hospital in Bharuch, Gujarat. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."