At least 13 COVID-19 patients have been killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra’s Virar. 

Virar is located just about 70 km from state capital Mumbai. 

The fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Virar at around 3:30am Friday. 

According to hospital authorities 21 patients, including those in critical condition, have been shifted to a nearby facility. 

The fire broke out reportedly due to an explosion in the AC unit of the intensive care unit. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the unfortunate incident.

PM Modi said: “The fire at a COVID-19 hospital in Virar is tragic. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon”.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said: “Saddened by the loss of lives due to tragic fire at a Hospital in Palghar, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured”.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Government has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs each to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

“This is a big accident. Those found responsible won’t be spared. The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs each to the families of those who lost their lives,” informed Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde.

This incident comes barely a couple of days after as many as 22 COVID-19 patients were killed in a hospital in Maharashtra’s Nashik following oxygen leak from a tanker.