Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in a fire that broke out at a Covid-19 hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. At least eight patients have been killed in the accident.

“Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon,” the prime minister tweeted.

Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM @vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2020

The prime minister said he has spoken to chief minister Vijay Rupani regarding the situation and assured all possible assistance to the affected. Chief minister Vijay Rupani has ordered a probe which will be led by Additional chief secretary (home department) Sangeeta Singh. The CM has asked for a report on the matter within three days.

Union home minister Amit Shah also expressed grief on the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident at a hospital in Ahmedabad. My condolences and thoughts are with the affected families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 6, 2020

“Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident at a hospital in Ahmedabad. My condolences and thoughts are with the affected families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Shah tweeted.

The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives. Rs 50,000 as compensation will be given to those injured in the accident.

Eight patients in the ICU ward of private Covid-19 designated hospital in Ahmedabad died after a fire broke out on Thursday, a fire official said.

The fire broke out at Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad during the early hours of Thursday, the official said.

Around 40 other Covid-19 patients at the facility were rescued and moved to a civic hospital in the city, the official added. The cause of the fire is being ascertained.

Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat , said that the hospital has been sealed and around 41 patients have been moved to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for postmortem.