India reported another world record of 401,993 new Covid cases on Saturday, with deaths rising by 3,523 in the past 24 hours.

In addition to the devastating spread of the deadly virus, a fire broke out in a COVID-19 hospital in Western India on Saturday morning.

The fire, which broke out at Welfare Hospital in Bharuch, killed 18 patients and was extinguished in an hour.

RV Chudasama, a superintendent of police in Bharuch, said: “Sixteen patients and two staff members have died in the fire.

“Twelve of them died due to fire and smoke.

“Preliminary investigation shows the fire was caused because of a short circuit.”