Eight patients died Saturday at a hospital in the Jordanian capital Amman, due to a shortage of oxygen supplies, Anadolu Agency reported citing state television.

The incident occurred at Al-Salt New Hospital in the central Balqa province. According to Al-Mamlaka TV report, several patients are in critical condition. 

Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh said in a statement that he ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He said those responsible for the incident will be held.

Health Minister Nathir Obeidat tendered his resignation following the hospital deaths.Speaking at a press conference in Amman, Obeidat said he bears the ethical responsibility for the incident.

It remains unclear whether the dead patients were receiving treatment for the coronavirus pandemic.Jordan has so far confirmed 464,856 Covid-19 cases, including 5,244 fatalities.