CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday condoled the death of six persons in a fire at a private hospital in Dindigul district and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the next of kin.

The Chief Minister expressed his sympathies with the families of the victims including a minor girl. Two other deceased persons hailed from the Theni district.

In a statement, Stalin announced a sum of Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF) to the families of the victims.

He also extended assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to those under treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) with serious injuries and Rs 50,000 to persons with simple injuries.

He further said he has directed that the best medical treatment be provided to those admitted in nearby government and private hospitals.

Official sources in Dindigul said three persons were currently under treatment in ICU.

On Thursday, around 9.30 pm, a blaze erupted in the private hospital, leaving six dead. The victims were found unconscious in a lift and were declared dead by doctors at a hospital.

They had suffocated to death, police and fire officials said.