As many as seven patients were killed in a fire accident at a hotel which was converted to a COVID-19 care facility in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada, Krishna district collector MD Imtiaz said on Sunday.
"We have recovered seven bodies. The hotel was taken by a private hospital to treat COVID-19 patients. The fire broke out in the early hours. Rescue operations are on," the official said.
Vijayawada police commissioner B Srinivasulu said that they have shifted about 20 patients to various hospitals. There were 30 patients undergoing treatment at the facility and 10 hospital staff.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the incident.
He said he discussed the incident with Reddy and assured all possible 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," the prime minister tweeted.
"Discussed the prevailing situation with AP CM @ysjagan Ji and assured all possible support," he said.