Muzaffarpur, Bihar: At least three patients lost their lives and more than 20 others were rescued after a major fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of “Prasad Hospital”, a private healthcare facility in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, during the early hours of Thursday. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
According to district officials, the blaze erupted around 3:55 a.m. on the fifth floor of the hospital, where the ICU is located. At the time of the incident, around 13 patients were admitted to the ICU , while several others were receiving treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
Thick smoke rapidly spread through the affected section of the building, triggering panic among patients, attendants, and hospital staff. Fire brigade teams, police personnel, and hospital workers immediately launched rescue operations, evacuating patients from the smoke filled wards and shifting many of them to nearby hospitals for continued medical care.
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate ‘Subrat Kumar Sen’ confirmed that three deaths had been reported, while several others sustained injuries and were undergoing treatment. Authorities are also verifying reports regarding the condition and whereabouts of all patients who were admitted at the time of the fire.
Preliminary findings suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire , although officials have emphasized that the exact cause will be determined only after a detailed investigation. A formal inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances leading to the blaze and assess whether all mandatory fire safety norms were being followed by the hospital.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in healthcare facilities across India. Hospitals house critically ill patients who often cannot evacuate on their own, making strict compliance with fire prevention measures, emergency response systems, and evacuation protocols essential. Experts have repeatedly called for regular fire safety audits, functioning alarm systems, and staff training to minimize the risk of such tragedies.
Further details are expected as investigators continue to examine the cause of the fire and the extent of any potential negligence.