The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to fire at a COVID care centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada on Sunday. Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured due to the fire.

At least 10 people were reportedly killed in a fire that broke out at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday morning. Fire broke out at Swarna Palace Hotel, which was being used as a COVID-19 facility by a hospital. Over 20 people were rescued from the hotel. Vikrant Patil, DCP Vijayawada-II, has confirmed the death toll.

The cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit.

“The incident took place around 5 am. Around 22 patients are being treated in hospital. We are evacuating the entire building. The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report, but we will have to ascertain,” Krishna District Collector Mohammad Imtiaz told ANI. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured him of all help.

“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,” the prime minister tweeted.

CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed shock and grief over incident. He has directed the concerned officials to take up the rescue measures and admit the injured in nearby hospitals, a statement issued by the CM Office said. 

The Andhra Pradesh government has also announced Rs 50 lakh ex gratia each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire.

Earlier this week, eight people were killed as a fire broke out at Shrey Hospital in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. Preliminary investigations said that the fire was triggered by a short circuit in one of the life support systems of the hospital.