13 Covid patients die in Tamil Nadu, families blame oxygen shortage

​​​​CHENNAI: Chengalpattu district bordering Chennai in Tamil Nadu is among the severely affected districts that are reporting an average 1,500 Covid-19 cases per day.

Nearly 500 Covid-19 patients are being treated at Chengalpattu Government Hospital, leading to the constant demand for liquid oxygen.

On Tuesday night, 13 Covid patients were reported dead within a span of four hours. Patient relatives alleged that deaths were caused by oxygen shortage at the hospital.

District Collectorate officials visited the hospital and within an hour an oxygen tanker reached the premises.

However, officials claimed that an inquiry had been initiated to find out how many Covid-19 patients died but also stated that there was no shortage of oxygen.

Tamil Nadu has imposed extensive curbs including on all political, social and cultural activities till May 20 amid the surging Covid cases.