A major fire engulfed a hospital and killed 13 COVID-19 patients in western India's Maharashtra on Friday (April 23).

The incident took place in the Intensive Care Unit of Vijay Vallabh Hospital, located in Virar.

Video shows panic ensuing on the hospital premises as the mask-clad staff rushes to evacuate the patients from the spot. They take them to safety on stretchers while the onlookers gather outside the medical institution. Later, the ward where the fire broke out gets featured in a charred state.

The fire started in the air conditioning unit of the hospital’s ICU, where at least 18 patients were admitted. Following this, the Vasai Virar Corporation fire brigade arrived at the spot. However, 13 patients died in the fire. The families of the bereaved will be given Rs. 2 lakh ($2,666) each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Following the fire, the authorities moved at least 21 patients to nearby hospitals. The Chief Minister of the state expressed his grief over the incident. Meanwhile, all those who were seriously injured in the fire will receive Rs 50 thousand ($666) as a relief amount.

A major fire engulfed a hospital and killed 13 COVID-19 patients in western India's Maharashtra on April 23. The incident took place in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vijay Vallabh Hospital, located in Virar.

Visuals feature panic ensuing on the hospital premises as the mask-clad staff rushes to evacuate the patients from the spot. They take them to safety on stretchers while the onlookers gather outside the medical institution. Later, the ward where the fire broke out gets featured in a charred state.

The fire started in the air conditioning unit of the hospital’s ICU, where at least 18 patients were admitted. Following this, the Vasai Virar Corporation fire brigade reached the spot. However, 13 patients died in the fire. Moreover, the families of the bereaved will be given Rs. 2 lakh (USD 2,666) each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Following the fire, the authorities moved at least 21 patients to nearby hospitals. Moreover, the Chief Minister of the state expressed his grief over the incident. Meanwhile, all those who were seriously injured in the fire will receive Rs 50 thousand (USD 666) as a relief amount.