A devastating fire at Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals, reportedly triggered by a short circuit in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed the fatalities, stating that patients in the ICU were successfully evacuated and transferred to other medical facilities.
The incident occurred early in the morning, around 3 AM, igniting panic among patients, their families, and hospital staff. Fire response teams quickly arrived on the scene and managed to contain the fire while simultaneously conducting rescue operations to save those trapped inside.
District Magistrate Kumar expressed his condolences, stating, “Three deaths have been confirmed so far. We have verified the bodies, and the civil surgeon has also confirmed the tragic loss of life.” He indicated that the civil surgeon had visited other patients in the hospital to ensure their well-being amidst the chaos, assuring that services were being maintained.
The DM noted that there were 13 patients in the ICU at the time of the fire, all of whom have since been relocated to nearby hospitals for continued treatment. He further mentioned that records showed a total of 15 patients admitted overall, with some undergoing care in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
Ongoing investigations include gathering statements from family members of the affected individuals. Kumar emphasized, “We are meticulously verifying every piece of information related to this incident.” Local reports indicate that the ICU is situated on the fifth floor of the hospital, complicating rescue efforts as the waiting area is located on the fourth floor. Firefighters were forced to break windows and doors to reach patients.
While initial reports suggest that over 20 people sustained injuries, the official tally has yet to be confirmed, and authorities anticipate that the casualty numbers may change as investigations progress. Regarding the cause of the blaze, Kumar indicated that preliminary findings point to a short circuit, particularly linked to the ICU’s monitoring and oxygen supply systems, but a thorough investigation will determine the exact cause.
The district administration has launched a detailed inquiry into the incident, with a joint team of fire service officials, police, and local authorities tasked with the investigation. Kumar stated, “Our aim is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into how this tragedy unfolded. Appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the law.” This incident follows another fire at a hotel in Delhi just a day prior.
