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 three 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.
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.
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.
Eight fire tenders were pressed into service after the fire department received an alert around 3 am. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.
Fire Officer RN Pandey said more than 20 patients were rescued from the building.
“Our team reached the hospital immediately after receiving the alert. The ICU was filled with dense smoke. More than 20 patients have been rescued safely. So far, we have received information about three deaths, and the matter is being verified,” he said.
Patients shifted as rescue operation continues
District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed that three deaths had been verified. 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 hospitals for treatment as rescue and relief operations continued through the morning.
Authorities are also working to identify the deceased and assess the damage caused to the hospital’s ICU infrastructure.
Speaking to ANI, Sen said firefighting teams responded quickly and managed to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
Bihar government announces ex-gratia for victims’ families
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.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the deaths as “extremely tragic” and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He said instructions had been issued for the immediate release of compensation and added that district hospitals had been directed to ensure proper treatment of those injured in the fire.
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.