Bhandup fire incident: CM Thackeray visits Dreams Mall; says hospital was given temporary permission due to COVID-19

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday visited Sunrise Hospital in Dreams Mall at Bhandup West where fire broke out. The CM sought forgiveness from the families of those who died after a fire broke out shortly after midnight at a coronavirus hospital in Mumbai.

Ten bodies have been recovered so far, officials have said, and around 70 patients have been taken to another hospital.

"The firefighters did a great job in rescuing people. However... some people who were on ventilators could not be rescued. I seek forgiveness from their families," Mr Thackeray told reporters Friday afternoon after visiting the scene of the disaster.

Mr Thackeray stressed: "I want to assure you that whoever is at fault... they will be punished."

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 & seek apologies from affected families, said Maharashtra CM.

"We have been fighting against the coronavirus for the past year. When the pandemic hit the state, there were very few beds and ventilators, but we continued our fight and set up temporary hospitals. This hospital was temporarily allowed to treat coronavirus patients," he explained.The hospital's permit would have expired on March 31, the Chief Minister said.

Speaking about the incident earlier today, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had said, "This is the first time I have seen a hospital in a mall. This is a very serious situation. Seven patients were on ventilators. 70 patients have been taken to another hospital. There will be an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire."

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 & seek apologies from affected families:Maharashtra CM, on Bhandup fire incident pic.twitter.com/ixQwia2U5o

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021