At least four patients have died after a major fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Prasad Hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district early Thursday morning. The fire erupted around 3:55 am on the fifth floor of the hospital, triggering panic and a large-scale rescue operation.
Officials said the death toll may rise as several patients remain critical and investigation is still underway.
ICU Engulfed in Smoke, Patients Evacuated in Emergency Operation
According to fire department officials, the blaze quickly spread through the ICU, filling the area with thick smoke and making rescue operations difficult. Around 20 to 24 patients were reportedly inside the ICU and nearby critical care units when the fire started.
Fire officer Ram Niwas Pandey said, “We received an emergency call at around 3:55 am and immediately rushed a team to the hospital. Around 15–20 patients were rescued from the ICU. Some died on the spot, while others were shifted to nearby hospitals.”
He added that the condition of several rescued patients remains unknown as they are undergoing treatment in different hospitals.
Four Victims Identified, Investigation Ordered
District officials confirmed that four patients died in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Krishnandann Prasad Singh (76), Geeta Devi (63), Uday Kumar (57), and Shashank (30). Three of them were from Muzaffarpur, while one was from neighbouring Sheohar district.
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, “Around 13 patients were in the ICU when the fire broke out. A detailed investigation has been ordered, and action will be taken against those found responsible.”
He also added that initial findings suggest a possible short circuit near the oxygen supply system or monitoring equipment, though this has not been confirmed.
Possible Short Circuit Suspected as Cause
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Officials said the exact cause will be confirmed only after a full technical investigation.
Fire teams managed to bring the blaze under control after several hours of operation. Nearly a dozen fire tenders were deployed, and rescue teams broke open doors and windows to evacuate trapped patients.
Allegations Against Hospital Management
Relatives of patients have accused the hospital administration of negligence, claiming that staff members were absent or fled the scene during the fire. Some families also alleged delays in handing over bodies of deceased patients.
Authorities, however, said statements from family members and hospital staff are being recorded as part of the ongoing probe.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the incident, while the state health department has ordered a detailed inquiry. The Bihar government has announced ₹4 lakh ex gratia compensation for the families of each deceased victim.
Officials said the District Magistrate and senior health officers are monitoring the situation on the ground, while critically injured patients are being treated in nearby hospitals.
Second Major Fire in 24 Hours
The tragedy comes just a day after a deadly fire in a Delhi hotel claimed 21 lives, raising fresh concerns over fire safety standards in commercial and healthcare buildings across the country.
Authorities in Bihar have assured strict action following the investigation into the Muzaffarpur hospital fire.
