India: 11 killed in massive fire at Mumbai Covid-19 hospital

A massive fire broke out late night on Thursday at Mumbai mall housing a COVID-19 hospital where patients were being treated, leaving 11 people dead.

DCP Prashant Kadam stated that the 11 people who died in the blast were coronavirus patients at the Sunrise Hospital, according to reports.

The incident reportedly started on the first floor of the mall located in Mumbai's Bhandup area but the smoke had reached up to the Sunrise Hospital on the third floor.

“There was a fire on first floor of Dreams Mall, Bhandup and the smoke reached the Sunrise Hospital located at the top floor," the hospital said in a statement. "All fire alarms beeped and hence all patients were safely evacuated due to the smoke to the fire refuge area.”

Commenting on the incident, Mumbai Mayor noted that the cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.

"I've seen a hospital at the mall for the first time," he added. "Action will be taken. 70 patients, including Covid-infected ones, have been shifted to another hospital.”

On his part, India's Prime Minister Modi paid his condolence to the casualties in a tweet, "Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Mumbai. I pray that the injured recover soon."

Moreover, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray reached the spot on Friday afternoon to look over the situation.