At least 5 killed in fire at private hospital ICU in Bihar

Five people were killed after a massive fire broke out in the ICU of a private hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district early Thursday. The blaze erupted at Prasad Hospital in the Brahmpura area, and quickly spread through the intensive care unit (ICU), filling it with dense smoke.

“A total of 5 deaths has been confirmed. There are several injured persons, who are undergoing treatment at various hospitals,” said Muzaffarpur Municipal Commissioner Rituraj Singh. 

“We are trying to reach out to the kin of the deceased and other patients. The fire has been brought under control, and necessary legal action is being undertaken,” Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said.

He informed that around 13-15 patients were being treated in the ICU, who have now been shifted to other hospitals by their family members.

According to hospital authorities, the blaze is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the ICU. The fire spread rapidly, hampering evacuation efforts.

Rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident, officials said. They added that the death toll could rise as details about several patients were still being ascertained.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the incident as "extremely tragic" and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

"Instructions have been issued to immediately provide an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh to the families of each deceased. The local administration is fully alert, and adequate arrangements have been made in district hospitals for the treatment of the injured," he said in a post on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said investigators are looking into the cause behind the fire, and the government will take appropriate action in the matter. 

The hospital management said it was cooperating with the administration and an inquiry had been initiated into the incident.