A major fire broke out at Swarna palace, a hotel being used as coronavirus COVID-19 facility, in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada city on Sunday (August 9) morning. According to police at least seven Covid-19 patients died and several others were injured during the incident.
“The incident took place around 5am. Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. We are evacuating the entire building,” Mohammad Imtiaz, Krishna’s district collector, was quoted as saying by ANI.
Krishna DC Mohammad Imtiaz said the fire broke out at the Covid-19 facility due to “short circuit” and evacuation process is underway.
Vijayawada police Commissioner B Srinivasulu told PTI news agency that they have shifted about 20 patients to various hospitals. There were 30 patients undergoing treatment at the facility and 10 hospital staff.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock at the incident, and assured the state administration of all support.
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed shock over the fire accident at the Covid-19 facility.
