New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in a "tragic" fire accident in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire accident at a hospital in Ahmedabad," Shah said.

Also Read | India Reports Single-Day Spike of 56,282 New COVID-19 Cases in Past 24 Hours, Tally Inches Closer to 20 Lakh, Death Toll at 40,699.

"My condolences and thoughts are with the affected families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," he said in a Twitter message.

The blaze broke out around 3.30 am on the fourth floor of a four-storey private hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad, leaving eight COVID-19 patients dead.

Also Read | Sushma Swaraj 1st Death Anniversary: 5 Tweets by Former External Affairs Minister That Won Hearts on the Internet.

The deceased comprise five men and three women, who were being treated at the ICU ward of the COVID-19 designated Shrey Hospital, a fire official said. PTI NES CK 08061019 NNNNed in any fashion. If it hasn't, we'll be pushing very hard for crowds … capped crowds. We're looking at July 1."

Australia's leading national association of doctors, however, warned that July would be too soon to think about making a change.

"Put bluntly, this absurd and dangerous idea belongs in the sin-bin," AMA president Tony Bartone said in a statement.

"The NRL should be satisfied that it has its competition back in action, but it is unfair and unwise to put the health of the game's fans at risk.

"They must first monitor the health and safety of the players and officials who will be involved in the thick of the on-field action."

The AMA highlighted the slow return of sport in Europe without crowds and praised the leaders of Australian rules for their cautious approach tied to expert medical advice.

Stringent controls and early border closures have contributed to Australia having only 102 known deaths from COVID-19 and just over 7,100 reported cases.

The federal government has announced a three-phase plan to ease restrictions in the coming months, with the states and territories to determine their own timings. But social distancing and hygiene measures will be retained indefinitely. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)