At least 13 patients including 6 women, perished in amajor fire that broke out in a private Covid hospital in Virar in Palghardistrict of Maharashtra, early on Friday, officials said.
The conflagration was noticed around 3.15 am in the ICUward located on the second floor of the four-storeyed Vijay Vallabh hospital atTirupati Nagar in Virar town.
Fire-fighting teams and other agencies from theVasai-Virar Municipal Corporation rushed to the spot and battled the blaze, thetentative cause of which is suspected to be a short-circuit.
The fire was brought under control and extinguished aftertwo hours, around 5.50 am. While 13 in the burning ICU perished, around 4others there were shifted and rushed to safety before the flames spreadfurther.
Taking serious note, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerayordered a probe into the tragedy and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh tothe kin of all decreased, besides Rs 100,000 to all the seriously injured.
Agriculture Minister and Palghar Guardian Minister DadaBhuse, two local legislators Hitendra Thakur and his son Kshitij Thakur, toppolice and civic officials also rushed to the site to review the rescueoperations.
This is the second major Covid season tragedy coming twodays after an oxygen gas leak in a Nashik Municipal Corporation hospital onWednesday claimed 29 lives so far.