A death toll of 9 individuals was reported at a hotel turned covid facility in Vijaywada in the early hours of Sunday. A major fire triggered by a short circuit at the Swarna Palace hotel . A private hospital had leased Hotel Swarna Palace in Vijayawada to admit infected Covid patients.
Collector Imtiaz stated that seven victims died on the spot and the condition of two more individuals was critical when the fire broke out at 5 a.m. Reportedly now the death toll rose to 9 after the two died while receiving the treatment at the hospital. The collector shared his deep condolences to the victims and ensured a thorough investigation into the accident. On further investigation police said that a short circuit in an air-conditioner on the ground floor has caused the fire eruption in the hotel. Due to which the flames spread upstairs and the patients jumped from the terrace risking their lives.
AP Chief minister YS Jagan expressed shock over the ill fated incident occurred at the covid care unit. Reportedly, the CMO officials have shared the details of the incident to the CM and soon he announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the bereaved family of the deceased and commanded an in-depth investigation into the mishap.