In a tragic incident, eight patients infected with the novel coronavirus died earlier this morning after a fire broke out at a private hospital in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

The accident happened at the Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad. The hospital has been designated only for COVID-19 patients and while eight patients in the ICU ward were killed in the fire that broke out at 3.30 am today, 40 other patients were rescued and shifted to a civic hospital in the city. "Eight coronavirus patients admitted in the ICU ward of Shrey Hospital have died due to the fire, which has been doused," an official from the Ahmedabad fire department reportedly stated. The cause of the fire is yet to determined. Expressing his anguish over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media, "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." He also mentioned, "Ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured due to the hospital fire."

Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently being treated for the COVID-19 infection as well, posted, "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."

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