Fire Accident In Vijayawada's Corona Facility, 11 Dead

At least eleven people were killed in a fire at a hotel, which is being used as a Covid-19 facility, in Vijayawada early on Sunday. The incident took place around 5am. Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. The reason of fire is a short circuit, as per the preliminary report.

Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and grief over the accident and enquired about it cause, his office said. He has also directed officials to take up the rescue measures and admit the injured in nearby hospitals.

According to the Vijayawada city police commissioner B Srinivasulu, the fire first broke out on the ground floor near the reception area and rapidly spread to the first floor. Srinivasulu said that they have rescued about 30 people and the fire was brought under control within 25 minutes. 

The patients were brought out using ladders as the stair cases were engulfed in fire and there was no external fire exit in the building.

Fire personnel broke open the windows to rescue the victims. The corona patients were rushed to other hospitals in special ambulances.

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he discussed the situation with the chief minister. “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,” he posted on the micro-blogging site.