Maharashtra CM orders probe into Ahmednagar hospital fire

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday ordered an in-depth inquiry into the fire at Ahmednagar civil hospital, which claimed the lives of 10 COVID-19 patients.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Thackeray directed the administration to ensure that those responsible for it get strict punishment.

The blaze erupted in the ICU of the Ahmednagar hospital around 11 am on Saturday and killed 10 patients, who were undergoing treatment against coronavirus. It also left one patient critical, officials said.

On learning about the incident, Thackeray spoke to district guardian minister Hassan Mushrif and state chief secretary Sitaram Kunte, and asked them to ensure that other patients admitted there should get proper treatment without any disturbance, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

"The CM said the probe will be done by the district collector and the report should be submitted to the government," it said.

Meanwhile, expressing grief over the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "My condolences to the kin of those who lost their lives. I appeal to congress workers to assist in the relief work."

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as "very shocking and disturbing".

"My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in Nagar Civil Hospital ICU Fire incident. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured," he said in a tweet.

He demanded an "in-depth inquiry" into the incident and called for a strict action against those responsible for it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the death of 10 patients in a fire incident at Civil Hospital in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar.

"Very saddened by the tragic accident at Civil Hospital, Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah said in a tweet message.

With agencies inputs