Opposition alleges ‘saffronisation’ as Bihar renames, repaints 551 schools
A political controversy has erupted in Bihar over the colour scheme of 551 newly launched Model Schools inaugurated by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday.
A devastating fire that tore through the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district in the early hours of Thursday claimed four lives and forced the emergency evacuation of more than 20 patients, prompting the state government to announce compensation and order an inquiry into the incident.
The tragedy at Prasad Hospital in the Brahmpura area has once again put the spotlight on fire safety standards in private healthcare facilities. While authorities suspect an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, officials have said the exact cause will be established only after a detailed technical investigation. A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to examine the circumstances leading to the fire and identify any lapses.
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According to officials, the fire broke out in the ICU during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, filling the ward with thick smoke and triggering panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff.
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Eyewitnesses said cries for help could be heard from inside the building as hospital employees and local residents rushed to rescue those trapped. Windows were reportedly broken to evacuate patients from the smoke-filled ICU.
Fire officials said more than 20 patients were rescued from the ICU amid dense smoke as firefighters battled the blaze and evacuated those trapped inside the building.
Speaking to ANI, Fire Officer Faiz Alam said preliminary findings point to a possible electrical short circuit.
“Prima facie, the cause of fire appears to be a short circuit. We rescued 20-22 people from the ICU. Six fire engines were deployed to extinguish the fire. The post-mortem report will make clear the reason for death. We have information that a fire audit was conducted here,” he said.
A firefighter involved in the rescue operation said visibility inside the building was severely affected by smoke.
“I rescued around 15 people. There was a lot of smoke as we were busy rescuing people. My job was to extinguish the fire,” he told ANI.
Victims identified as probe gathers pace
District authorities said four people died in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Krishnandan Prasad Singh (76), a resident of Gaurigma village under Minapur police station, Geeta Devi (62), a resident of Distolia village under Kathaiya police station, Shashank Kumar (30), originally from Ratanpur village under Aurai police station and presently residing at Newalal Chowk in Ahiyapur, and Uday Kumar (57), a resident of Vishambharpur village under Tariyani Chhapra police station in Sheohar district.
Officials said between 13 and 15 patients were admitted to the ICU when the fire broke out.
Several injured and critical patients were shifted to nearby healthcare facilities in Muzaffarpur, where they are undergoing treatment.
Authorities are also working to assess the damage caused to the hospital’s ICU infrastructure.
District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in the ICU ward, though he stressed that the exact cause would be established only after a detailed technical investigation.
Officials said specialised forensic teams are examining the site while investigators assess the hospital’s electrical systems, fire safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness protocols.
Bihar government announces compensation
Expressing grief over the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The demise of four individuals in the fire at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur is deeply tragic. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to their families during this difficult time. Instructions have been issued to immediately provide an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The local administration remains fully alert, and adequate arrangements have been made at the Sadar Hospital for the treatment of the injured,” the Chief Minister said.
Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar also reviewed the situation and spoke with Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen.
He directed the district administration to ensure that all injured patients receive complete and timely medical treatment.
Questions raised over safety standards in private hospitals
The incident also triggered a political debate over compliance with safety norms in private healthcare establishments.
Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav called for strict action against hospitals found violating prescribed standards.
“The government must take strict action regarding this so that no one makes such a mistake in the future. Hospitals have opened like mushrooms. Those not complying with standards should face action,” he told ANI.
Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh questioned the state’s safety preparedness and criticised the government’s response, while Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said authorities were examining all aspects of the incident.
Officials said the investigation would determine whether safety lapses contributed to the fire and fix responsibility if any negligence is found.
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