7 Die in Fire at COVID-19 Hotel Facility in India

At least seven people died after a huge fire broke out early Sunday in a hotel that was being used as a COVID-19 site in India's southern Andhra Pradesh province, police said.

"Many people who were stuck and wounded have been saved and moved to the government hospital. Fire is under control, but search and firefighting efforts are also ongoing," said Lakshmi, a constable in the police control room.

Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: "Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh".

"Centre assures all possible support to the state government. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," he wrote.

Last week, eight COVID-19 patients perished in a fire that broke out in an intensive care hospital in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Jagan Mohan Reddy has ordered officials to probe the hotel explosion, ANI reported.

"The incident took place around 5 am Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. We are evacuating the entire building," Mohammad Imtiaz, Krishna's district collector, was quoted as saying by ANI.