NEW DELHI - At least eight COVID-19 patients died when a fire broke out at a hospital in India's western state of Gujarat on Thursday, confirmed a local administration official.

The fire broke out early on Thursday morning at the Shrey Hospital in the state capital Ahmedabad.

The hospital was sealed following the mishap, and 41 COVID-19 patients were shifted to another hospital. The dead bodies have been sent for post-mortem, said a top state official.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness at the tragic incident. "Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," tweeted the prime minister, saying the government was providing all possible assistance to the victims.