This archive report was first published on 6 November 2021.
At least 11 coronavirus patients lost their lives in a hospital fire in western India, sparking widespread outrage and calls for improved safety measures.
Published on November 6, 2021, the tragedy occurred at a hospital in Ahmadnagar district, Maharashtra state, where a blaze broke out in the intensive care unit, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The hospital, which was specifically built to cater to coronavirus patients, had around two dozen patients when the fire started. Most of the victims were elderly, with many over 60 years old.
Maharashtra state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered a formal investigation into the incident, promising to take swift action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
India's underfunded public health system has been under immense pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with several hospitals facing fire-related incidents in recent months.
