Rescue workers carry the body of a patient suffering from COVID-19, who died after the fire broke out. Reuters

In a shocking incident, seven persons were killed in a fire that broke out at a paid COVID-19 Care Centre run from a hotel by a private hospital in India early Sunday morning, officials said.

Officials earlier said three persons had died in the mishap, while four others were shifted to a hospital. With four more casualties, the death toll had increased to seven the victims included two women.

Police officials did not rule out more casualties in the early morning fire as the condition of two of the centre's staff, who jumped from the first floor to escape, is said to be serious.

Around 50 persons, including 30 coronavirus patients, were reported to be present at the Covid treatment facility set up at Hotel Swarna Palace when the tragedy struck. 

Rescuers and others stand outside Hotel Swarna Palace. AP

City Police Commissioner Srinivasa Rao said that the fire broke out around 5 am.

According to initial information, suffocation due to smoke emanating from the fire is said to have caused most casualties.

Firefighters rushed to the spot and rescued the people in the facility. Fifteen ambulances were used to rush the victims to hospitals.  

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Preliminary investigation found that a short circuit was the likely cause of the fire. The fire started on the ground floor of the building later spreading to the first floor that had been converted into a Covid care centre.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and sorrow over the incident and ordered an inquiry.

State Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas, who represents Vijayawada West Assembly constituency, visited the spot and supervised rescue operations.

The Minister said the inquiry will look into whether it was an accident or failure on part of the management.

Indo-Asian News Service