Patna/Muzaffarpur: At least three people were killed and more than 20 patients were rescued after a massive fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Prasad Hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district during the early hours of Thursday, officials said.
The blaze erupted around 3.00 a.m. to 4.00 a.m. at the private hospital located in the Brahmpura area, rapidly filling the ICU with dense smoke and sparking panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff. Witnesses reported hearing desperate cries for help as the fire spread through the critical care ward.
According to district authorities, around 13 to 15 patients were undergoing treatment in the ICU when the fire broke out. Hospital staff, local residents and emergency responders worked together to evacuate patients, with some rescue efforts reportedly involving the breaking of windows to reach those trapped inside.
Eight fire tenders were deployed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control after several hours of firefighting. Many patients were shifted to nearby hospitals for continued treatment while officials assessed the damage.
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed three deaths and said an investigation had been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest a possible electrical short circuit, though officials stressed that the final cause would be established only after a detailed technical examination.
The district administration has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether there were any lapses in fire safety measures at the hospital.
While local authorities have officially confirmed three deaths, some media reports have indicated that the toll could be higher as the condition of several injured patients remains under assessment.