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.
READ: Andhra Pradesh: Hours after father's suicide, daughters too end life
