Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday announced financial assistance of Rs five lakh each to the families of 1-3 COVID-19 patients, who also perished in a fire in a hospital at Virar of Palghar district. An announcement by the Chief Minister’s Office (com ) said people that suffered serious injuries at the episode is going to be provided Rs 1 lakh settlement each.

Thirteen coronavirus patients perished following the ordeal at the intensive care unit (ICU) on the next floor of their four-storeyed Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Virar at early hours of Friday. Five women and eight men perished in the episode.

There were 90 patients at a medical facility, 18 of these at the ICU, once the fire broke out after having a burst from the air conditioner, the official has said.