Muzaffarpur: A devastating fire that broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district early Thursday claimed the lives of at least three patients and left several others injured, officials said.
The incident occurred at Prasad Hospital, situated in the Brahampura area of the city. According to preliminary information, the fire originated on the fifth floor of the hospital, where the ICU ward was located, around 3:30 a.m.
At the time of the incident, nearly 20 patients were undergoing treatment in the ICU. Hospital staff and emergency responders launched an immediate evacuation effort as smoke and flames rapidly spread through the ward. Several patients were shifted to nearby healthcare facilities for continued treatment.
Fire department personnel rushed to the spot after receiving an alert and worked for hours to bring the situation under control. Rescue teams evacuated patients from different sections of the building to prevent further casualties.
Authorities have officially confirmed three deaths so far. However, family members of some patients have expressed fears that the toll could rise, claiming that their relatives may also have been trapped during the blaze. Officials have not yet verified those claims.
Senior district officials, including the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police, visited the hospital shortly after the incident and monitored rescue and relief measures. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire and assess whether safety protocols were in place.
The tragedy comes shortly after a fatal fire incident at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, raising fresh concerns about fire safety compliance in public and private establishments across the country.
Meanwhile, authorities have assured that a detailed investigation will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings. The condition of the injured patients is being closely monitored at the hospitals where they have been admitted.
