On 25th March, late at night in Mumbai, a major fire broke out at a Dreams Mall at Bhandup West, which has a COVID-19 Hospital on the third floor in Mumbai.
23 firefighters rushed to carry out the rescue and relief operations. So far, 10 people have died in the fire. But Sunrise Hospital issued a statement saying the deaths were due to COVID-19, not the fire.
When the fire first broke out, it was reported that two Covid patients at the hospital have died in the fire. But after a few hours, the death toll went up to 10 which was reported by the Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai Fire Department.
In a statement from the hospital, they said, “There was a fire on first floor of Dreams Mall, Bhandup and the smoke reached the Sunrise Hospital located at the top floor. All fire alarms beeped and hence all patients were safely evacuated due to the smoke to the fire refuge area."
They added, “There were 2 dead bodies (due to Covid) which were also evacuated. There was no casualty due to fire. All patients were promptly shifted to the jumbo Covid centre (and some to other private hospitals).”
According to the authorities, the fire broke out at a shop near Dreams Mall. The fire fighters worked till the Friday morning to control the raging fire.
Sunrise Hospital also said, “This hospital was started under exceptional circumstances of Covid last year and has helped in saving many patients. It is functioning with all due compliances like fire license, nursing home licence etc. The hospital staff did a fantastic job in safely evacuating patients on wheelchairs and beds to the refuge areas and by following the fire drills.”
Speaking on this incident, Mumbai Mayor said, “The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. I've seen a hospital at the mall for the first time. Action will be taken. 70 patients, including Covid-infected ones, have been shifted to another hospital.”
At the time of fire, a total of 76 patients were admitted to the hospital and 73 of them were COVID-19 patients. All of them were taken out by the hospital staff and have been shifted to other hospitals.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, while visiting the hospital where the fire broke out, said, “Action will be taken against those who are found responsible. Compensation will be given to families of the deceased. Most of the patients who have died were on the ventilator. I offer my condolences and apologies to their families.”
He also announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the victims.
Uddhav Thackeray also said that the hospital was established to serve as a COVID facility due to the pandemic and that its license was due to expire on 31st March. However, the fire did not start at the hospital, but elsewhere.
According to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, "10 people have died in the fire incident. This is a serious incident. Negligence of hospital management has come to light. We will register a case."
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