Covid-19 hospital fire in Vijayawada leaves 10 dead, Centre assures help to state govt

14:23 August 09

Investigation underway to ascertain cause of fire, says Vijayawada Police Commissioner

Vijayawada city police commissioner B Srinivasulu said the control room had received a call at around 5.15 am about the fire breaking out in the hotel. “We rushed tenders immediately and the fire was brought under the control now,” he said.

About 17 patients were brought out safely using ladders. Two staff members, including security guard Krishna Reddy, jumped from the second and third floors of the hotel after the fire.

So far nine bodies have been brought out and they were found to have died of suffocation. Rescue operations were underway with teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) swinging into action when the reports last came in.

He added, "It's too premature to comment anything. We are doing an investigation to ascertain the cause of fire."

14:11 August 09

CPI(M) slams Reddy govt on hospital blaze, demands judicial inquiry

CPI(M) leader CH Baburao has slammed Jaganmohan Reddy govt after the disastrous fire at Covid hospital in Vijayawada claimed 10 lives. Demanding a judicial inquiry into the matter, he said that there should be a proper investigation in the matter and financial assistance should be provided to the kin of the deceased. 

"Reddy govt has failed to control the corona situation in the state. There are less hospital beds and ventilators. Government should take necessary action," Rao added.

13:57 August 09

Andhra Home Minister, Health Minister visit Vijayawada fire mishap site

Andhra Home Minister, Health Minister visit Vijayawada fire mishap site

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharita, Health Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas and other ministers visited the site where a broke out at a hotel being used as a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada on Sunday morning.  

Ministers Velampalli Srinivas, Rajya Sabha MP Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, Transport Minister Perni Venkatramaiah also visited the accident spot.

Health Minister, Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas said, "This is a very unfortunate incident. The Chief Minister has ordered to take appropriate measures, he has ordered the ministers to visit the spot."

11:36 August 09

Death toll rises to ten

"Death toll rises to 10 in the fire that broke out at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada today," said Vikrant Patil, DCP Vijayawada-II.

10:59 August 09

President Ram Nath Kovind condoles loss of lives in Vijayawada fire  

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in Vijayawada hotel fire incident, that claimed at least seven lives, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.  

"Struck with grief after hearing tragic news about COVID-19 care centre in Vijayawada where an accidental fire caused loss of lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured," the President tweeted. 

09:58 August 09

Amit Shah assures all possible help to Reddy govt

Following the fire mishap at Covid care hospital in Vijayawada, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."

09:50 August 09

Former CM Chandrababu Naidu expresses grief over mishap

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday expressed shock and grief over the fire incident at a hotel in Vijayawada and instructed officials to conduct an enquiry into the accident. Reddy has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh for the next kin of the deceased.  

According to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to take up the rescue measures and admit the injured in nearby hospitals.

Taking it to Twitter, Naidu said, "In deep anguish after learning about the fire accident at the Vijayawada Covid Centre this morning. I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery to those injured."

09:45 August 09

PM Modi condoles loss of lives in fire incident at Vijaywada COVID facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish at the death of patients in a fire incident at a COVID facility in Andhra Pradesh's Vijaywada on Sunday. He said he discussed the incident with state chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured all possible help.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to Twitter to and expressed grief over the mishap, adding that he would provide all possible help to the state government.

"Anguished by the fire at a Covid Centre in Vijayawada. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible. Discussed the prevailing situation with AP CM @ysjagan Ji and assured all possible support," Modi tweeted. 

09:44 August 09

CM JagnMohan Reddy announces ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh, orders probe

Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy has expressed shock over the tragedy and has instructed the officials to provide all the possible help to the victims, ordering a probe into the incident. Reddy has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the next kin of the deceased. 

06:53 August 09

Covid-19 hospital fire in Vijayawada leaves ten dead

Vijayawada: At least ten people died after a fire broke out a Covid makeshift hospital at around 5 am in the morning in Andhra's Vijayawada on Sunday morning. The fire engulfed the Swarna Palace Hotel, which was taken on lease by Ramesh Hospital, was converted to Covid care facility to treat the patients.

"We have recovered seven bodies. The hotel was taken by a private hospital to treat COVID-19 patients. The fire broke out in the early hours. Rescue operations are on," the official said earlier.

According to information, the fire broke out at 5 am in the morning and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. However, preliminary investigation suggests that electric short-circuit might have triggered the fire.

The reason of fire that broke out at a hotel here on Sunday appears to be a short circuit as per the preliminary report, said Krishna District Collector. 

"Seven people have lost their lives and 30 have been rescued, "said Vijaywada Police

Firefighters were immediately pressed into service and rescue operations are underway. The fire started at the reception area and has been brought under control.

According to the preliminary information, around 30 patients were undergoing treatment at the hospital and ten medical staff were attending them. 

"The incident took place around 5 am. Around 22 patients are being treated in hospital. We are evacuating the entire building. The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report, but we will have to ascertain," said Krishna DC Mohammad Imtiaz.

Panic gripped the hospital when fire engulfed the hospital building and patients started screaming for help. Fire first broke out in the ground floor at the near reception area and spread to first-floor following which fire and quick response teams reached the spot and started the rescue operation. The patients were brought out using ladders as the staircases engulfed in fire and there is no external exit available in the premises.

Firefighters rushed to the spot and rescued the patients who were trapped inside the building. The patients were ferried to Ramesh Hospital in Labbipet in ambulances. Police also swung into action and reached the incident spot to take a stock of the situation. 

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