Death toll in Mumbai’s Bhandup Hospital fire rises to 11

The death toll in the Bhandup Hospital fire has risen to eleven. Late last night, a level four fire was reported at Sunrise Hospital, located inside Dreams Mall in Mumbai’s suburb of Bhandup.

Earlier today, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had announced a compensation of Rs five lakh for the kin of each of the deceased. Speaking to reporters after visiting the site, Mr. Thackeray had said strict action will be taken against all those responsible for the unfortunate incident.

Mr. Thackeray clarified that the hospital had been set up on an urgent and temporary basis to deal with the rising COVID infections last year. Stating that the hospital’s permit would have expired by the end of this month, Mr. Thackeray said he is issuing orders for conducting fire safety audits of all COVID care centres and hospitals catering to COVID patients so as to avoid such an incident in the future.