PM Modi anguished by loss of lives in Ahmednagar hospital fire; Thackeray orders probe
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a major fire that broke out in a hospital in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar this morning.
At least 10 coronavirus patients were killed and another suffered serious burn injuries in the fire that broke out in the district civil hospital in Ahmednagar, officials said.
The blaze erupted around 11 am in the intensive care unit (ICU), where 20 COVID-19 patients were undergoing treatment, they said.
In a tweet, Modi said, “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a hospital in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered an in-depth inquiry into the incident.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Thackeray directed the administration to ensure that those responsible for it get strict punishment.
On learning about the incident, Thackeray spoke to district guardian minister Hassan Mushrif and state chief secretary Sitaram Kunte, and asked them to ensure that other patients admitted there should get proper treatment without any disturbance, a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
“The CM said the probe will be done by the district collector and the report should be submitted to the government,” it said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said it was painful to see the loss of lives following a fire at a hospital in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra and urged party workers to help in relief work.
He also sent his condolences to the families of those killed in the fire.
“The news of fire in Ahmednagar hospital is painful. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I appeal to Congress workers to help in the relief work,” the former Congress president said in a post on Facebook.
