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. 

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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. 

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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.