Hyderabad : In a tragic event, nine covid patients lost their life after a huge fire broke out at a hotel which was being used as a COVID-19 facility in Andra Pradesh's Vijaywada. 

As per sources, there were nearly 30 patients getting treated at Hotel Swarna Palace at the time of the accident. 

The fire is suspected to have started on ground floor and spread to first and second floor, officials said. The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered an enquiry into the accident.

Short circuit is alleged to be the reason behind the tragic accident. The fire which is reported to have started around 5 am is suspected to have started on ground floor and spread to first and second floor, officials said.

Hotel Swarna Palace had been taken on lease by Ramesh hospitals to house Covid patients. The hotel had "violated" safety rules, according to Fire Safety Director Jairam Naik. It will face action as investigation has been initiated, he said.